Effects of ω‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Inflammatory Markers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background : Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the fifth‐leading cause of death worldwide, is characterized by chronic inflammation. However, no available agent can effectively cure this inflammation. A dietary supplement containing ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has anti‐inflammatory effects. In this study, we hypothesized that nutrition support with ω‐3 PUFA‐rich diets may be useful for treating COPD, and we compared the clinical features and inflammatory mediator levels between the COPD patients who received an ω‐3 PUFA‐rich supplement and those who received a nonrich supplement. Methods : Sixty‐four COPD patients received 400 kcal per day of an ω‐3 PUFA‐rich supplement (ω‐3 group) or an ω‐3 PUFA‐nonrich supplement (ω‐6 group) for 2 years. We prospectively investigated the clinical features of these patients and measured the levels of inflammatory mediators. Results : In 6‐minute walk testing, the dyspnea Borg scale and decrease of arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry significantly improved in the ω‐3 group. Leukotriene B 4 levels in serum and sputum and tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐8 levels in sputum decreased significantly in the ω‐3 group, whereas there was no significant change in the ω‐6 group. Two patients in theω ‐3 group and 3 patients in the ω‐6 group had mild diarrhea, and 3 patients in the ω‐3 group and 3 patients in the ω‐6 group had nausea; however, their symptoms were controllable and they improved with treatment. With multiple regression analysis, it was proved that the ω‐3 PUFA‐rich diet significantly contributed to the change in cytokine levels in this study. Conclusion : We suggest nutrition support with anω ‐3 PUFA‐rich diet as a safe and practical method for treating COPD.