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ATTENUATION OF NIACIN-INDUCED PROSTAGLANDIN D2 GENERATION BY OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS IN THP-1 MACROPHAGES AND LANGERHANS DENDRITIC CELLS.

VanHorn1, J., Altenburg1, J.D., Harvey1, K.A., Xu1, Z., Kovacs2, R.J.,  Siddiqui1,3, R.A.  1Cellular Biochemistry Laboratory,  Methodist Research Institute,  Indianapolis, 2Krannert Institute of  Cardiology, Indianapolis, 3Department  of Medicine, Indiana University School  of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA  Correspondence: Rafat Siddiqui  Cellular Biochemistry Laboratory,  Methodist Research Institute,  E504-D, 1800 N Capitol Ave,  Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Abstract

Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is an organic compound that has several cardiobeneficial effects. However, its use is limited due to the induction of a variable flushing response in most individuals. Flushing occurs from a niacin receptor mediated generation of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid metabolism. This study examined the ability of docosahexaenoic  acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), to attenuate niacin-induced prostaglandins in THP-1 macrophages. Niacin induced both PGD2 and PGE2 generation in a dose-dependent manner. Niacin also caused an increase in cytosolic calcium and activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2. The increase in PGD2 and PGE2 was reduced by both docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, but not by oleic acid. Omega-3 PUFAs efficiently incorporated into cellular phospholipids at the expense of arachidonic acid, whereas oleic acid incorporated to a higher extent but had no effect on arachidonic acid levels. Omega-3  PUFAs also reduced surface expression of GPR109A, a human niacin receptor. Furthermore,  omega-3 PUFAs also inhibited the niacin-induced increase in cytosolic calcium. Niacin and/or omega-3 PUFAs minimally affected cyclooxygenase-1 activity and had no effect on cyclooxygenase -2 activity. The effects of niacin on PGD2 generation were further confirmed using  Langerhans dendritic cells. Results of the present study indicate that omega-3 PUFAs reduced  niacin-induced prostaglandins formation by diminishing the availability of their substrate, as well as reducing the surface expression of niacin receptors. In conclusion, this study suggests that the regular use of omega-3 PUFAs along with niacin can potentially reduce the niacin-induced flushing response in sensitive patients.

Keywords

DC-100-RT, flushing, polyunsaturated fatty acids, prostaglandin D2

Materials Tested

Docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, Niacin, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid

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