In Vitro Effects of Oil’s Fatty Acids on T-Cell Function of Obese Men

Abstract

Background: Dietary fatty acids have important homeostatic functions in regulating the immune response and may exert beneficial effects on immune alterations during obesity. Objective: To assess the in vitro effects of oil fatty acids, different oils (olive, linseed, Nigel, sunflower) were tested on T-lymphocyte proliferation, Th1- and Th2-type cytokine production, and intracellular oxidant/antioxidant status in obese patients. Methods: Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using Histopaque and were in vitro cultured and stimulated by Con A in the presence or absence of the oils. Cell proliferation, interleukin-2, interleukin-4 and interferon-γ (INFγ) secretions and intracellular oxidative status (glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl protein levels, catalase activity and micronuclei frequency) were investigated. Results: Abnormalities in lymphocyte function and intracellular oxidative stress were observed in obesity. Linseed oil induced a reduction in T-lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production while Nigel oil increased them in both obese and control groups. In addition, Nigel oil enhanced IFNγ and IL-4 secretion. Olive and sunflower oils had no effect on lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine secretion in both groups. Linseed and Nigel oils induced an increase in T cell GSH concentrations and catalase activity with a concomitant decrease in MDA, carbonyl protein contents and micronuclei frequency especially in obese patients. Conclusion: Linseed and Nigel oils had beneficial effects on lymphocyte proliferation, cytokines secretions and redox status, while olive and sunflower oils had no effects on immune cell function in obesity.