Effect of a Component of Fish Oil on Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction and Airway Inflammation in Asthma

To date, fish oil supplementation studies in patients with asthma have used a combination of
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. A study on the specific formula that is most effective
in preventing exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) has yet to be conducted in humans.
Nevertheless, it has been shown that a docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) metabolite, protectin D1,
is involved in the active resolution of airway inflammation and that its concentration is
greater in healthy control subjects' exhaled breath condensates as compared to patients with
asthma during a clinical exacerbation. Supplementing asthmatics with DHA could enable an
increased availability of protectin D1 to help resolve airway inflammation during an asthma
attack. Furthermore, DHA is known to support a healthy cardiovascular system, maintain
brain function, and reduce depression in addition to alleviating inflammatory diseases.
Thus, pure DHA supplementation could help patients manage their asthma while providing for
their overall health.

The main aim of this study is to determine whether pure DHA can attenuate EIB and airway
inflammation in adults with asthma. It is hypothesized that DHA supplementation will
diminish EIB and airway inflammation compared to placebo.