The two principle destructive enzymes involved in joint inflammation are the cyclooxygenase enzymes known as COX-1 and COX-2. The inflammatory response triggers these enzymes in conditions that involve chronic joint inflammation such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. They can also erupt in response to a dietary imbalance between the intake of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as obesity. Speak to your doctor or health care provider about specific dietary changes you can make to reduce inflammation in your joints.
COX-1 and COX-2
COX-1 and COX-2 are cyclooxygenase enzymes that researchers consider to be the main contributors to the inflammatory response that occurs in joints. Historically, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs blocked the action of these enzymes; however, these medications have undesirable side effects on the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems if ingested long term.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
An overabundance of omega-6 fatty acids in the diet may trigger greater production of the destructive cyclooxygenase enzymes and lead to further damage to the joints. Omega-6 fatty acids occur in corn, egg yolks, meat, sunflower oil, fried foods, margarine, snack foods and safflower oil. A dietary imbalance between omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids tends to promote inflammation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids demonstrate the ability to modulate the production of the destructive enzymes COX-1 and COX-2. According to a January 2000 study conducted by Welsh researchers and published in the "Journal of Biological Chemistry," omega-3 fatty acids reduced the expression of COX-2. This research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may limit the damage caused by chronic joint inflammation. A balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids decreases the activity of destructive enzymes. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include tuna, mackerel and cod liver oil.
Obesity
In obese patients, joints inflamed by the destructive enzymes COX-1 and COX-2 can experience further inflammation through the presence of cytokines. These include the inflammatory proteins tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1, which are released by fat cells as part of the low-grade body-wide inflammation associated with obesity. Weight loss therefore has the potential to reduce joint inflammation and minimize inflammation from both destructive enzymes and cytokines in obese patients.
References
- "Arthritis Today": Eat to Beat Joint Inflammation
- Arthritis Foundation: Research Update: COX-! Important in Autoimmune Arthritis
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- "Journal of Biological Chemistry"; N-3 Fatty Acids Specifically Modulate Catabolic Factors Involved in Articular Cartilage Degradation; C.L. Curtis, et al.; January 2000
- "Arthritis & Rheumatism"; Responses to the Proinflammatory Cytokines Interleukin-1 and Tumor Necrosis Factor ' in Cells Derived from Rheumatoid Synovium and Other Joint Tissues Involve Nuclear Factor Κb--Mediated Induction of the Ets Transcription Factor ESE-1; Franck Grall, et al.; May 2003
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