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Adulthood – prevention

Les G Cleland and Michael J James
Med J Aust 2002; 176 (11): . || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04573.x
Published online: 3 June 2002

The bioactive lipids responsible for the signs and symptoms of inflammation belong mainly to the omega-6 family and are represented by prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Antagonism of inflammation by omega-3 fatty acids has been demonstrated in animal models. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those in fish oil, can decrease leukocyte production of omega-6 prostaglandins and leukotrienes, as well as cytokines.1


  • Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.


Correspondence: 

  • 1. James MJ, Gibson RA, Cleland LG. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production. Am J Clin Nutr 2000; 71 (Suppl): 343S-348S.
  • 2. Schichikawa K, Takenaka Y, Maeda A, et al. A longitudinal population survey of rheumatoid arthritis in a rural district in Wakayama. Ryumachi 1981; 21 (Suppl): 35-43.
  • 3. Shapiro JA, Koepsell TD, Voigt LF, et al. Diet and rheumatoid arthritis in women: A possible protective effect of fish consumption. Epidemiol 1996; 7: 256-263.
  • 4. James MJ, Cleland LG. Dietary n-3 fatty acids and therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 1997; 27: 85-97.
  • 5. Bacon PA,Townend JN. Nail in the coffin: Increasing evidence for the role of rheumatic disease in the cardiovascular mortality of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2001; 44: 2707-2710.

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