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Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Omega-3 Fats Work by Blocking Omega-6 Fat
When you have a headache, do you reach for aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve)? These over-the-counter medications are known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They work by blocking the effects of the omega-6 fat arachidonic acid, which creates eicosanoids that trigger pain, fever, swelling, and cramping.
Sometimes, these over-the-counter drugs aren’t enough to combat inflammation, so your doctor might prescribe something stronger, such as Celebrex, which also works by preventing omega-6 fats from making eicosanoids. Omega-3 fats work in a similar manner and can even outperform some medications without their side effects.
COX Inhibitors Halt Omega-6 Fat (Arachidonic Acid)
Anti-inflammatory drugs work by blocking enzymes called cyclooxygenase (COX). When this enzyme is blocked, arachidonic acid (the most potent omega-6 fat) is unable to make its inflammatory compounds.
Arachidonic acid is like an unlit match. The COX enzymes “light” arachidonic acid, which then creates compounds that trigger inflammation and blood clotting. Anti-inflammatory medications act like water; they prevent arachidonic acid from being lit. Aspirin and other COX inhibitors work by blocking excess omega-6 fats from creating powerful eicosanoids. Ironically, if you take Motrin for a headache and eat foods that are high in omega-6 fats (like corn oil margarine on your toast), you may worsen inflammation. It’s like throwing shredded paper on an inferno that the fi re department is trying to extinguish. Omega-6 fats are fuel for the COX enzymes. More fuel leads to more inflammation.
COX-2 Inhibitors Block Omega-6 Fat, Too
For decades, aspirin has been touted as the wonder drug, but chronic use causes problems. Approximately one-third of patients taking aspirin and other NSAIDs develop ulcers, and over 100,000 patients are hospitalized each year for GI complications.
To alleviate pain and the side effects from aspirin, pharmaceutical companies developed a new class of drugs, called COX-2 inhibitors, which selectively block COX enzymes. These drugs, including Vioxx and Celebrex, became popular for managing a variety of conditions, including arthritis, menstrual cramps, and headaches.
Unfortunately, a deadly side effect was discovered: heart problems. Unlike aspirin, COX-2 inhibitor medications allow the formation of blood clots, a key risk factor in heart disease.
LOX: The Smoking Gun from Asthma to Atherosclerosis
Another enzyme, called LOX, converts omega-6 fat into even more potent inflammatory compounds, called leukotrienes. The leukotrienes include a potent asthma-triggering chemical, which is also linked to clogged arteries.
Aspirin and similar anti-inflammatory medications do not affect the LOX enzyme. But omega-3 fats are able to block the LOX enzyme, as do asthma medications (such as Singulair and Zyflo), which prevent leukotriene formation from omega-6 fat.
Omega-3 fats also work like corticosteroid medications, which block the release of the “holstered” arachidonic acid from the cells. Less AA means the LOX can’t make leukotrienes.
Fish oil not only blocks both COX and LOX enzymes without the side effects of medications, it also confers health benefits. The EPA (one of the omega-3s) in fi sh oil competes with the powerful omega-6 fat arachidonic acid and lessens its ability to make the inflammatory eicosanoids. When AA is knocked out of the picture, EPA steps in and uses the same enzymes to generate inflammation-blunting compounds. In particular, DHA (the other omega-3 in fi sh oil) uses LOX to make a compound that protects the brain.
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