Background: Eicosanoids mediate initiation and resolution of inflammation. Our aim was evaluating the effects of training, exercise and docosahexaenoic (DHA) supplementation on plasma eicosanoids levels and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) eicosanoids production.
Methods: Fifteen male footballers were distributed to placebo and experimental groups. Experimental group consumed DHA-enriched beverage (1.16 g DHA/day) for 8 weeks, placebo group consumed a placebo beverage. Blood samples were taken before and after the nutritional intervention in basal conditions and 2 h after acute exercise.
Results: Training increased basal Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) plasma levels and PBMCs cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) protein levels in both groups, but COX-1 protein levels only in the experimental group. Acute exercise increased plasma PGE2 and PBMCs active NFκβ levels. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated PBMCs increases eicosanoids production (PGE1, PGE2, RvD1) in both groups and increased LPS-stimulated PBMCs active NFκβ. DHA supplementation increased COX-2 levels but decreased LPS-stimulated PBMCs PGE1 and PGE2 production. Neither DHA supplementation nor acute exercise altered the expression of NFκβ, COX-2, 15-LOX2, 5-LOX, or IL-1β genes in PBMCs.
Conclusions: The increase of PGE1 plasma levels after training promoted systemic anti-inflammatory and vasodilator environment. Exercise and DHA supplementation acted synergistically by increasing plasma PGE2 with anti-inflammatory effects. Exercise primed PBMCs to enhance PGE1, PGE2 and RvD1 production in response to LPS.
Trial registration: The project was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02177383).
Keywords: Docosahexaenoic acid; Exercise; Inflammation; Lipid mediators; PGE1; PGE2; RvD1.