Effect of nanocapsules containing docosahexaenoic acid in mice with chronic inflammation

• Published in: Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy Vol. 167; p. 115474
• Main Authors: de Castro Leão, Matheus, di Piazza, Isabella, Caria, Sarah Jorge, Broering, Milena Fronza, Farsky, Sandra Helena Poliselli, Uchiyama, Mayara Klimuk, Araki, Koiti, Bonjour, Kennedy, Cogliati, Bruno, Pohlmann, Adriana Raffin, Guterres, Silvia Stanisçuaski, Castro, Inar Alves
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Masson SAS 01-11-2023; Elsevier
• Subjects: Atherosclerosis; Cytokines; DHA; Inflammation; Nanocapsules; Omega 3; Omega 3; Inflammation; Cytokines; DHA; Atherosclerosis; Nanocapsules
• ISSN: 0753-3322; 1950-6007
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115474

Omega 3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been widely consumed as supplements to control chronic inflammation. Nanocapsules containing DHA (MLNC-DHA-a1) were developed and showed excellent stability. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the effect of MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules on biomarkers of chronic inflammation.
Cells viability was determined by flow cytometry. The uptake of MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules by macrophages and their polarization were determined. In vivo, LDLr(-,-) mice were fed a Western diet to promote chronic inflammation and were treated with MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules, intravenously injected via the caudal vein once a week for 8 weeks.
MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules decreased the concentration of TNFα (p = 0.02) in RAW 264.7 cells compared to the non-treated group (NT), with no changes in IL-10 (p = 0.29). The nanocapsules also exhibited an increase in the M2 (F4/80+ CD206) phenotype (p < 0.01) in BMDM cells. In vivo, no difference in body weight was observed among the groups, suggesting that the intervention was well tolerated. However, compared to the CONT group, MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules led to an increase in IL-6 (90.45 ×13.31 pg/mL), IL-1β (2.76 ×1.34 pg/mL) and IL-10 (149.88 ×2.51 pg/mL) levels in plasma.
MLNC-DHA-a1 nanocapsules showed the potential to promote in vitro macrophage polarization and were well-tolerated in vivo. However, they also increased systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, considering that this immune response presents a limitation for clinical trials, further studies are needed to identify the specific compound in MLNC-DHA-a1 that triggered the immune response. Addressing this issue is essential, as MLNC-DHA-a1 tissue target nanocapsules could contribute to reducing chronic inflammation.
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•Docosahexaenoic acid has been consumed as supplement to control chronic inflammation.•Nanocapsules containing docosahexaenoic acid increased M2 phenotype in BMDM cells.•Mice were treated with nanocapsules, intravenously injected once a week for 8 weeks.•While the intervention was well tolerated it increased cytokines levels in the plasma.•This immune response must be investigated to improve the nanocapsules effectiveness.