Influence of polyunsaturated fatty acids on urologic inflammation

Purpose Studies demonstrate that polyunsaturated fatty acids, fish oils, and alpha-linoleic acid are beneficial anti-inflammatory agents, which suppress inflammatory mediators and their activity. Methods This review focuses on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids (O-3FAs) on three primary urologic organs (bladder, kidney, and prostate) and associated conditions such as urolithiasis, kidney transplantation, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, bladder cancer, prostate cancer (CaP), and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Results The following themes emerged: the potential influence of O-3FA in suppressing urologic inflammation; the supportive role of O-3FA in therapeutic interventions; pro-inflammatory mechanisms of omega-6 fatty acids (O-6FAs) associated with disease progression; and the importance of the optimal ratio of O-6FAs/O-3FAs. Conclusions The need for further research on the role of PUFAs in suppressing urological inflammation precipitated.