Oral supplementation with the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) attenuates mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury

Abstract

Objective: The omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA), are precursors to a family of analgesic and neuroprotective small pro-resolution lipid mediators (PRLMs) that include the resolvins and neuroprotectins. We hypothesized that perioperative supplementation with DHA and EPA can prevent post-surgical pain by increasing endogenous levels of PRLMs. Methods: We treated mice undergoing Spared Tibial Nerve Injury (SNI) with perioperative oral DHA and EPA with or without aspirin to determine whether DHA, EPA and their PRLM metabolites reduce mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury. Results: We found that mice treated with both DHA/EPA or DHA/EPAwith aspirin had significantly reducedmechanical allodynia in the ipsilateral paw compared to injured control animals. There was no significant difference in allodynia reduction between the treatment groups. Conclusion: Perioperative DHA/EPA supplementation reduces mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury and may be a safe, economical adjunct to prevent or treat post-injury neuropathic pain in humans.