Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify a reliable ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids for regulating monocyte immunomodulation linked with atherosclerosis. We evaluated monocyte behavior on treatment with various dietary fatty oils with increasing fatty acid ratios (omega 6:omega 3): canola oil (omega 6,5.6:omega 3,1), olive oil (omega 6,13.4:omega 3,1), corn oil (omega 6,52:omega 3,1), coconut oil (saturated), and fish oil (omega 6,1:omega 3,2). Oxidized LDL-treated monocytes were treated with 0.5% and 2% oil emulsions (v/v) for 0, 2, 4, and 8 h. Oil red '0' and Nile red staining demonstrated 70% and 30% lipid accumulation only in coconut and corn oil. The levels of IL-1 beta, IL-12 beta, IL-6, macrophage colony stimulation factors (IFN gamma, IKBK gamma(1), IKK), and atherosclerosis-related immunomodulatory genes (TLR-4, TGFBR(2), and IL33) were significantly increased after 8h only in corn and coconut oil. Canola (5.6:1) and fish (2:1) oils are beneficial for immtmoregulation and suppress macrophage-induced foam cell formation and atherosclerosis development.