Abstract:

Objective: To explore the effect of ω-6 linoleic acid on cytokines of mice. Methods: The mice were administered with linoleic acid by intragastric administration, intraperitoneal injection and vein injection respectively. At 3, 2 h and 2 h after administration, the concentration changes of 24 cytokines including IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12 (p40), IFN-γ, G-CSF, MCP-1 and VEGF in mouse serum were determined. Results: An obvious increase in IL-1, Eotaxin and VEGF, and significant decline in IL-6, IL-12 (p40), G-CSF and KC were observed in mice with intragastric administration of ω-6 linoleic acid; In intraperitoneal injection group, the concentration of IL-1, IL-17, IL-4, IL-10 exhibited an obvious increase, whereas GCSF exhibited an obvious decrease; The mice in vein-injection group showed a remarkable change with inflammation, which exhibited a dramatic increase of IL-2, IL-5 and IL-6, and a significant decrease of IL-3, IL-4, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12 (p40), and IL-17. Conclusion: ω-6 linoleic acid can transfer signal through mucosal immunity of intestine and blood system to regulate immune system. In intragastric administration group, PKC/NF-κB and partial STAT pathways can be activated and JAK-STAT3 and PI3K pathways can be inhabited; in intraperitoneal injection group, NF-κB, JNK/p38/MAPK, PI3K and JAK/STAT6 can be activated and STAT3 can be inhabited; in vein-injection group, NF-κB, MAPK and JAK/STAT3 can be activated, and PI3K/ATK, ERK/MAPK and STAT1, 4, 5 can inhabited. Nowadays, due to excessive nutrition for some people, it is not scientific strategy for these people to pursue immune-enhancing food, which can keep their body in a continuous inflammation status. Therefore, our health should be result from a dietary structure that is benefit for immune balance.

Key words: ω-6 protein, cytokine, signal pathway, phytochemicals