(P27-035-23) Dietary PUFA Interactions With Exercise To Alter Neuroinflammation

Objectives: Oxylipins (OxL) and endocannabinoids (eCB) are biosynthesized from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the n-6 and n-3 families. Dietary levels of the different PUFA directly influence the extent of OxL and eCB synthesized, thereby influencing the levels of pro-inflammatory or less inflammatory bioactive lipids. The interface of diet and exercise can improve inflammatory state to improve disease symptoms and well-being. Effect of Tai Chi (TC) on blood OxL and eCB was evaluated in women with knee osteoarthritis. A secondary data analysis examined the relationships between OxL and eCB, brain activity, and symptoms of knee osteoarthritic pain in women.

Methods: Plasma lipid biomarkers of inflammation and immune function (eCB/OxL by GC-MS), resting-state magnetic resonance (fMRI) imaging, and self-reported pain, stiffness, and functional limitation were collected from baseline and after 8-wk TC. Changes in and correlation analyses were performed between baseline and 8-wk TC for eCB, OxL, clinical measures, and fMRI.

Results: Women with knee osteoarthritic pain showed changes in reported pain, stiffness, and functional limitations and circulating levels of OxL and eCB. The changes in lipid biomarkers were associated with neuroinflammation, pain, and brain connectivity. Dietary PUFA and exercise benefits improve neural plasticity and reduce neuroinflammation due to lower PGE₂ (arachidonic acid metabolite), but higher arachidonic acid metabolites 12-HETE and LTB₄, as well as the eicosapentaenoic acid metabolite 12-HEPE in plasma.

Conclusions: TC exercise lowers circulating pro-inflammatory OxL in women with knee osteoarthritic pain. Significant correlations were observed between reported pain, stiffness, and functional limitations and circulating levels of OxL and eCB. Our findings establish relationships between brain connectivity determined by fMRI and the lipid biomarkers of inflammation and immune function. Changes in lipid biomarkers herein with TC are significantly associated with neuroinflammation, pain, and brain connectivity.

Funding Sources: Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, TTUHSC/Texas Tech Neuroimaging Institute (CLS/VN), NIH/NINDS R01 NS038261 (VN), and USDA Intramural Projects 2032-51530-025-00D (JWN).