Dtary D-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increases production of leukotrne B5 (LTB5) and decreases production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) when compared to a>4 PUFA in sepsis

Introduction: LTB4 derived form to-6 PUFA is a potent inflammatory mediator in sepsis while its counterpart LTB5 derived from iu-3 PUFA is less potent. We studied the effect of dietary supplementation of (0-6 versus (0-3 PUFA on the qualitative and quantitative serial production of LTB4 and LTB5 during experimental sepsis. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats fed essential fatty acid deficient diets were prospectively randomized to receive either 50 mgu>3 or d>-6 PUFA or 1 ml of normal saline (NS) via gastric gavage daily. After 2 weeks, the rats underwent either SHAM (control) or cecal lieation and ouncture (CLP). Serial blood draws (at 0.5.1,2,4,8, 12, & 24 hrs) were obtained, prepared then analyzed using a newly developed three phase linear gradient RPHPLC technique and the plasma LTB4 and LTB5 levels were compared by ANOVA and t-test statistical analysis. Results: For LTB4 CLP: NS vs ci>-3 p<0.05, NS vs o-6 p=0.09, o-3 vs (i>-6 p<0.05; LTB4 SHAM: NS vs (0-3 p=.13, NS vs (0-6 p=0.08, o>-3 vs a6 p=0.08; LTB5 CLP. NS vs u>-6 p=0.14, NS vs d)-3 p<0.05, (0-3 vs d>-6 p<0.05; LTB5 SHAM: NS vs u-3 p=0.10, (i>-3 vs u>-6 p=0.10 Coodusions: Essential fatty acids (o>-3 or o>-6) in the diet affect the production of inflammatory mediators. The û>-3 PUFA lowers LTB4 and increases LTB5 levels.