N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protect esophageal epithelial cells from acid exposure

• Published in: Food research international 2022-12, Vol.162, p.111943-111943, Article 111943
• Main Authors: Chen, Yue-Hang, Jiang, Ying, Wei, Jing-Jing, Li, Xiao-Dong, Zhang, Pei-Hong, Lian, Ting-Ting, Zhuang, Ze-Hao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: agonists; caspase-1; epithelium; esophageal diseases; food research; inflammasomes; inflammation; malondialdehyde; omega-3 fatty acids; oxidative stress; protective effect; pyroptosis; superoxide dismutase
• ISSN: 0963-9969; 1873-7145
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111943

Our previous study showed that n-3 PUFAs inhibited inflammation in rats with esophagitis. This study aimed to observe the protective effect of n-3 PUFAs against acid damage to esophageal epithelial cells (Het-1A cells) and to explore its mechanism. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was increased by acid exposure, while that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was decreased. In groups with different ratios of n-6/n-3 PUFAs, the expression levels of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and SOD were increased with increasing proportions of n-3 PUFAs and were highest in the 1:1 group. Compared with those in the 9:1 group, the expression of NOD like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1 and the pyroptosis rate in the 1:1 group were decreased. Intervention with an Nrf2 agonist increased the expression of Nrf2 and decreased the expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1 and the pyroptosis rate. However, inhibiting Nrf2 expression led to the opposite result. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs protected esophageal epithelial cells from acid damage by upregulating Nrf2 expression, which disrupted oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inhibited pyroptosis.