Are fatty acids associated with disease activity and biomarkers in patients with psoriatic arthritis? Data from a multicenter clinical trial

The pathogenesis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) involves inflammation and bone and soft tissue turnover. Dietary fatty acids have previously been associated with pro-inflammatory effects induced by saturated fatty acids (SFA) and anti-inflammatory effects achieved by at least some polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).

The aim of the study was to investigate the correlations between the content of fatty acids in granulocytes and clinical and biochemical markers of PsA. A total of 140 patients with PsA were included. Skin and joint disease activity were assessed. Fatty acid composition in granulocytes was determined by gas chromatography.

Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess bone and soft tissue turnover. The content of SFA, n-6 PUFA or n-3 PUFA in granulocytes was not associated with disease activity. Marine n-3 PUFA was significantly positively correlated with collagen degradation. In contrast, n-6 PUFA was significantly positively correlated with collagen formation and negatively correlated with collagen degradation.

However, the correlations were all weak. No association was found between the content of fatty acids in granulocytes and disease activity in this population of patients with PsA. The correlation between fatty acids and biomarkers of bone and soft tissue turnover needs further investigation.