Fish oil and vitamin E reduce levels of pro-inflammatory proteins in rheumatoid arthritis, UB s...( BUFFALO N.Y. -- While scientists p...)

Fish oil and vitamin E reduce levels of pro-inflammatory proteins in rheumatoid arthritis, UB study shows

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- While scientists ponder potential new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis at the American College of Rheumatology meeting in Philadelphia, they should not overlook potential nutritional approaches.

A study lead by Jaya Venkatraman, Ph.D., UB associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, has shown that in a mouse model, a combination of fish oil and vitamin E reduced the levels of inflammation-inducing cytokines, proteins that cause the joint swelling, pain and tenderness characteristic of this disease.

That study, published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, was named best scientific paper of the year this October by the American College of Nutrition.

Venkatraman said results using the mouse model show that fish oil and vitamin E are promising potential therapies for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

"This mouse model for arthritis displays symptoms very similar to what happens in humans," she said. "The combination of fish oil, with its omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E appears to help restore the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

"It probably can't prevent development of rheumatoid arthritis, but it may delay symptoms and allow a reduction in other medication. People who normally had to take 10 aspirins a day, for example, may be able to take five. This therapy also seems to improve function."

In this study, Venkatraman used mice that over-express the lpr gene that causes fast aging, immuonological abnormalities and induces development of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. These diseases are characterized by cartilage destruction, known to be caused in part by an abnormal production of pro-inflammatory proteins that act as though cartilage has been invaded by foreign proteins and fight to destroy them.

Clinical trials in humans and laboratory research with animals have shown that die
'"/>

Contact: Lois Baker
ljbaker@buffalo.edu
716-645-5000 x1417
University at Buffalo
30-Oct-2000

Page: 1 2
Related biology news :

1. Lycopene slows human prostate tumour growth in mice and combined with vitamin E is even better
2. Chemical derived from vitamin-E shows early promise as cancer drug
3. Folic acid vitamin use by women reaches all-time high, March of Dimes survey finds
4. Alterations in vitamin D receptor gene increase prostate, breast cancer risk
5. Could vitamins raise levels of bad cholesterol? Animal study suggests they might
6. New antioxidants are 100 times more effective than vitamin E
7. Study finds huge variability in vitamin E absorption
8. People with undetermined muscle/bone pain tend to be severely vitamin D deficient
9. Daily vitamins could prevent vision loss among thousands
10. Drug that mimics vitamin D hormone may boost effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment
11. Strategies to boost womens multivitamin use fall short

Post Your Comments: