Long-term docosahexaenoic acid therapy in a congenic murine model of cystic fibrosis

We used a congenic C57B1/6J cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (Cftr)(-/-) mouse model, which develops cystic fibrosis (CF)-like pathology in all organs, to evaluate the short- and long-term therapeutic effects of dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thirty-day-old Cftr(-/-) mice and wild-type littermates were randomized to receive a liquid diet with or without DHA (40 mg/day). Animals were killed for histological and lipid analysis after 7, 30, and 60 days of therapy. DHA had no significant therapeutic or harmful effect on the lung, pancreas, or ileum of the Cftr(-/-) mice or their wild-type littermates. In contrast, dietary DHA resulted in highly significant amelioration of the severity of liver disease in the Cftr(-/-) mice, primarily a reduction in the degree of peri-portal inflammation. Additionally, these detailed measurements confirm our previous findings that Cftr(-/-) mice have significant alterations in the pancreas (except external acinar diameter), ileum, liver, lung, and salivary (except sublingual) glands at all ages compared with their age-matched wild-type littermates. In conclusion, inhibition of cytokines and/or eicosanoid metabolism and release of endogenous inhibitors of inflammation by DHA may account for the anti-inflammatory effects in the liver of this congenic murine model of CF. The potential therapeutic benefits of DHA in severe CF-associated liver disease remain to be explored.