Gamma‐Linolenic and Pinolenic Acids Exert Anti‐Inflammatory Effects in Cultured Human Endothelial Cells Through Their Elongation Products

Scope Omega‐3 fatty acids (FAs) from oily fish reduce cardiovascular disease. This may be partly due to modulation of endothelial cell (EC) inflammation. Fish stocks are declining and there is a need for sustainable alternative FAs. Gamma‐linolenic acid (GLA) and pinolenic acid (PLA) are plant‐derived FAs, which can fulfil this role. Methods and results EA.hy926 cells are exposed GLA and PLA prior to stimulation with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. GLA and PLA are incorporated into ECs, resulting in increases in long‐chain derivatives produced by elongase 5, dihomo‐gamma‐linolenic acid (DGLA), and eicosatrienoic acid (ETA). Both GLA and PLA (50 µ m ) decrease production of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). However, decreases in these mediators are not seen after pre‐treatment with GLA or PLA in elongase 5 silenced EA.hy926 cells. DGLA and ETA (10 µ m ) decrease EC production of sICAM‐1, MCP‐1, RANTES, and IL‐6. All FAs reduce adhesion of THP‐1 monocytes to EA.hy926 cells. Both PLA (50 µ m ) and ETA (10 µ m ) decrease NFκBp65 phosphorylation. Conclusion These effects suggest potential for GLA, PLA and their long‐chain derivatives, DGLA and ETA, as sustainable anti‐inflammatory alternatives to fish‐derived FAs.