Reduced production of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha from decidual cell cultures supplemented with N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

A diet rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) may reduce the i ntrauterine production of prostaglandins and prolong pregnancy. We te sted this hypothesis by assessing the influence of various PUFAs on t he spontaneous production of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha from decidual cell c ultures. In addition, we assessed prostaglandin and cytokine producti on stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in order to mimic parturit ion where infection is involved. In both settings, we found that afte r supplementing with n-3 PUFA, PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were significantly reduced. After supplementing with n-6 PUFA, there was a significant increase in both prostaglandins. Both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs reduced the p roduction of interleukin 1 (IL-1), while n-6 PUFAs reduced TNF produc tion. PUFAs did not influence IL-6 production. Our findings support t he hypothesis that dietary n-3 PUFA may prolong pregnancy by reducing intrauterine production of prostaglandins.