류마티스관절염 치료에서 오메가-3 다가불포화지방산의 역할

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause. It is characterized by polyarthritis. Currently, treatments for RA include the use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroid, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroid, and so on. New treatment options for RA have been actively developed. In this study, we determined pharmacological advantages of using omega n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as adjunctive therapy in RA based on articles demonstrating the role of omega n-3 in the prevention and treatment of RA. Omega n-3 PUFAs can partially suppress a number of inflammatory reactions such as leukocyte chemotaxis and adhesion molecule expression. Mechanisms fundamental to the anti-inflammatory actions of omega n-3 PUFAs involve changing the compositions of cell membrane's phospholipid fatty acids. Omega n-3 PUFAs with inflammation control action may also result in the reduction of pain in rheumatoid arthritis. The benefit of n-3 PUFAs in RA has also been suggested in some clinical studies. In conclusion, omega n-3 PUFAs might be useful as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of RA.