This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.Prolonged wound healing is a monumental health problem in the United States (U.S.) Estimations of individuals affected and health dollars spent are predicted to dramatically escalate. Wound healing is significantly affected by nutritional factors. Evaluating omega-3 (Omega-3) fatty acids potential negative influence on wound healing through the modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines during the essential inflammatory stage of wound healing is imperative as there has been a dramatic increased consumption of these supplements in the U.S. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the Omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), obtained from fish oil, on wound healing.
The specific aims are: 1) to compare proinflammatory levels at blister sites between healthy individuals receiving Omega-3 supplements and a control group; 2) to compare wound healing rates between the two groups; and 3) to assess the relationship between psychological stress and proinflammatory production. This study will use a prospective, randomized, experimental design and include Group 1 (n=29), receiving Omega-3 fatty supplements for four weeks and Group 2 (n=29), receiving a placebo. The independent variables are the Omega-3 fatty acid supplement (manipulated), which will be quantified in plasma per gas chromatography and psychological stress. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and salivary cortisol will be measured to quantify the stress response. The dependent variables are the inflammatory stage of wound healing measured by proinflammatory cytokines via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and rate of wound healing determined by single digital camera photogrammetry. Subjects will complete a 3-day food diary at baseline and four weeks and micronutrients quantified by the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). It is hypothesized that subjects receiving omega-3 supplements will have significantly lower cytokine levels and a slower healing rate.
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