Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A New Option in the Treatment of Pain

CARLOS H LAINO, TOLEDO ME; SEAN J. MOORE

Omega-3: Dietary Sources, Biochemistry and Impact on Human Health

Nova Science Publishers

Año: 2017; p. 30 - 49

Interest in the physiological and pharmacological effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in particular those of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has increased significantly in recent years. Omega-3 PUFA, which are recognized as nutraceuticals, have been demonstrated to have clinical benefits for the prevention of and / or treatment of certain pathological conditions.The metabolism of omega-3 PUFA supplies the body with long chain PUFA that have a greater number of carbons and double bonds, such as DHA and EPA. Therefore, the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor of omega-3 PUFA, is subjected to processes of elongation and desaturation, particularly in the liver, forming predominantly DHA and EPA. Although ALA from the diet may be converted to DHA and EPA, the efficiency of this conversion appears to be minimal after food intake in humans, rodents and other mammals. The omega-3 PUFA are very important components of practically all cell membranes, whose composition in these membranes depends mainly on the foods or supplements ingested. Omega-6 PUFA share the same metabolic enzymes as omega-3 PUFA, but are not interconvertible as they perform opposing physiological functions. Whereas omega-6 PUFA are pro-inflammatory, omega-3 PUFA are anti-inflammatory. Consequently, a favorable omega-6 / omega-3 balance is critical for good health.Related to this, it is known that the omega-6/omega-3 ratio has been modified as a result of Western diets in human evolution, with recent evidence indicating an association with an increased risk of obesity.For many years, drug combination has been a widely used pharmacological tool to increase therapeutic efficacy and / or decrease side effects. Recent studies have evaluated the effectiveness of omega-3 PUFA as analgesics, either alone or in combination with other drugs. However, while much is known about the anti-inflammatory action of omega-3, little is known about its analgesic effects.This review explores the preclinical and clinical evidence concerning the analgesic effects of omega-3 PUFA (DHA and EPA).