ABSTRACT
Essential fatty acids (EFA) are “essential” not only because of their physiological importance, but because they must be derived directly or in partially elaborated form from the diet. Thus, these acids may be classified as vitamins (indeed they were once called vitamin F). Two groups of fatty acids are essential to the body: the ω-6 (n-6) series derived from linoleic acid (18:2 n-6), and the ω-3 (n-3) series derived from αlinolenic acid (18:3 n-3). Fatty acids provide energy, are an integral part of cell membranes, and certain ones are precursors for prostaglandins (PG), thromboxanes (TX), and leukotrienes (LT), collectively termed eicosanoids. Abundant experimental evidence supports the view that eicosanoids participate in the development and regulation of immunological and inflammatory responses (1). Because rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by inflammation, disordered immune regulation, and tissue injury, there is much interest in the role of eicosanoids in the regulation of host defense in RA patients. Because the detrimental effects of therapy for RA may be more difficult to manage than the disease itself, there is a need for new, safe approaches to the treatment of these patients.
