n-3 fatty acids specifically modulate catabolic factors involved in articular cartilage degradation

Curtis CL, Hughes CE, Flannery CR, et al. · The Journal of Biological Chemistry

n-3 (but not n-6 or saturated) fatty acids dose-dependently reduced aggrecanase activity and expression of IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha, and COX-2 in cartilage — a clean mechanistic rationale that human trials have so far failed to convert into symptom benefit.

Population

Articular cartilage explants and chondrocytes

Intervention

n-3 fatty acid enrichment of chondrocyte membranes

Limitations

In vitro; concentrations and exposure not equivalent to dietary intake.