Decreased n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio reduces chronic reflux esophagitis in rats

•We observed a close relationship between chronic RE and oxidative stress.•Chronic reflux esophagitis was ameliorated by optimum dietary n-6/n-3 PUFAs (1:1.5).•Lipid peroxidation was reduced by increased dietary n-3 PUFAs.

AimTo investigate the effect of dietary ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs on chronic reflux esophagitis (RE) and lipid peroxidation.MethodRat RE model were established and then fed on a diet contained different n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios (1:1.5, 5:1, 10:1) or received pure n-6 PUFA diet for 14 days. Esophageal pathological changes were evaluated using macroscopic examination and hematoxyline-eosin staining. IL-1β, IL-8, and TNFα mRNA and protein levels of were determined using RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined using ELISA.ResultsThe severity of esophagitis was lowest in the PUFA1:1.5 group (P<0.05). IL-1β, IL-8, and TNFα mRNA and protein and MDA levels were significantly increased in model groups with the increasing n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios. SOD levels were significantly decreased in all RE PUFA groups (P<0.05).ConclusionEsophageal injury and lipid peroxidation appeared to be ameliorated by increased n-3 PUFAs intake.