High ω-3:ω-6 fatty acid ratios in culture medium reduce endometrial-cell survival in combined endometrial gland and stromal cell cultures from women with and without endometriosis
Received 7 November 2000; accepted 26 April 2001.
Abstract
Objective: To study the effects of ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) on in vitro proliferation of endometrial cells and their production of the cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8).
Design: In vitro study.
Setting: Obstetrics and gynecology department, University of Aberdeen.
Patient(s): Women attending an infertility clinic.
Intervention(s): In vitro cell cultures using culture mediums supplemented with normal and high ratios of ω-3 PUFA and ω-6 PUFA.
Main Outcome Measure(s): In vitro survival and production of IL-8 by dispersed endometrial cells.
Result(s): In vitro survival of endometrial cells from women with and without endometriosis was significantly reduced in the presence of high ω-3:ω-6 PUFA ratios compared with cells incubated in the absence of fatty acids, in balanced ω-3:ω-6 PUFA ratios, and in high ω-6:ω-3 PUFA ratios. Endometrial cells from women with endometriosis secreted higher concentrations of IL-8, especially in the presence of high ω-3:ω-6 PUFA ratios.
Conclusion(s): ω-3 PUFA may have a suppressive effect on the in vitro survival of endometrial cells and ω-3 PUFA be useful in the management of endometriosis by reducing the inflammatory response and modulating cytokine function.
aDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
bRowett Research Institute, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Reprint requests: M. Rafet Gazvani, M.R.C.O.G., Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom (FAX: 01224-684880