Omega 3 Supplementation Can Regulate Inflammatory States in Gas Station Workers: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Environmental exposure to diesel particulate matter and commercial gasoline in gas station workers might induce oxidative stress and changes in the balance of the immune system. In this study, the immunomodulatory impacts of omega 3 fatty acid (omega 3FA) supplement were assessed on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in gas station workers in a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Fifty-three men working in gas stations were treated with omega 3FA (n = 29) or placebo (n = 24) for 60 days. C-reactive protein, interleukin-12 (IL-12), transforming GRAPHICS growth factor beta (TGF-beta), interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-10, and IL-17 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method before and after the completion of the trial. The concentrations of IFN-gamma and IL-17 were significantly decreased in omega 3FA group compared with the placebo group (P < 0.001). Moreover, the levels of inhibitory cytokines including TGF-beta and IL-10 significantly were increased in omega 3FA group (P < 0.001). Overall, omega 3FA nutritional supplementation can be useful in reducing inflammatory immune responses and maintaining immune tolerance in people with high exposure to inflammation-inducing factors.