Abstract
Background
Inflammation is part of the normal host response to infection and injury and excess inflammation may lead to acute or chronic diseases. Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease characterized by increased endometrial production of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, reactive oxygen species, and prostaglandins. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids play a role in the inflammatory process and a therapeutic effect has been suggested.
Methods
On this basis, this study aimed to assess in human cultured endometrial stromal cells the effect of two omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), on i) TNF-α induced IL-8 and PGE2 release and on ii) cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) mRNA expression a key enzyme for prostaglandin production.
Results
DHA or EPA significantly reduced LPS-induced IL-8 (P<0.01) and PGE2 (P<0.01) release decreasing the expression of Cox-2 (P<0.01).
Conclusions
In conclusion, our study revealed an inhibitory effect of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammatory mediators secretion and suggests a potential benefit for the treatment of pelvic pain in patients with dysmenorrhea and/or endometriosis.
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