Dietary omega-3 fatty acids alter the lipid mediator profile and alleviate allergic conjunctivitis without modulating Th2 immune responses

What is it about?

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is one of the most common ocular diseases in the world. T-helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses play a central role in eliciting AC. In addition to Th2 cytokines and chemokines, the levels of various pro-inflammatory lipid mediators released by mast cells and eosinophils also increase in the conjunctiva with AC. However, eye drops currently used to treat AC, such as those containing anti-histamine, glucocorticoid, or immunosuppressive drugs, do not target these lipid mediators. In this study, we found that dietary omega-3 fatty acids alleviate AC by reducing pro-inflammatory lipid mediators without modulating Th2 immune responses. Our findings provide evidence that eating food rich in omega-3 fatty acids is a convenient and practical strategy for treating AC.

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