Mechanisms of n-3 fatty acid action

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N-3 (omega-3) fatty acids are important constituents of the cell membrane which are found in high amounts in fatty fish. The cell membrane is a fatty layer which covers and protect the cell and its internal components. N-3 fatty acids can change how the cell functions and have been found to be useful in maintaining and improving health. They are also an important component of the rapidly growing nutriceutical and naturalproducts sector. How they exert their effects is however unclear. In addition it appears that different types of n-3 fatty acids including DHA and EPA act differently. This project will consider how various different n-3 fatty acids change the way the cell builds, changes and replaces the membrane and how cells communicate. In initial experiments this will be accomplished by growing cells in the laboratory in the presence or absence of various types of n-3 fatty acids. The effect these treatments have on how the cell changes its membrane will then be analysed. This will involve measuring the uptake of fatty acids into the cell, as well as the activity of the enzymes which carry out this process. This information will then be extended using an in vivo model. Different types of n-3 fatty acids will be fed to rats to determine how they effect the cell membrane. In addition, their effect upon how different cells communicate using fatty acid derived chemicals will be studied including their role in modulating blood flow and the inflammatory cascade. This work will significantly advance our knowledge of how n-3 fatty acids interact with the cells of the body and how we might utilise these effects to change the way cells function. Such information is vital to understanding the role of these fatty acids in the functioning of the body and to advancing their role both as important dietary components and nutriceutical products. As such this work will likely help improve the validity and accuracy of the dietary advice give to Canadians. Furthermore the information gained will help guide the commercial development of omega-3 fatty acids by the important and growing nutriceutical industry.