Why are omega-3 fatty acids indicated in ARDS?

• A. They are antioxidants that scavenge free radicals
• B. They may down regulate inflammatory response by producing less inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes
• C. They increase pro-inflammatory cytokines
• D. They neutralize all cytokines completely

Answer: (B)

Omega-3 fatty acids help in ARDS by modulating the inflammatory response through the eicosanoid pathway. When EPA and DHA are integrated into cell membranes, they compete with arachidonic acid for the COX and LOX enzymes. This shifts the production away from highly inflammatory mediators like certain prostaglandins and leukotrienes toward less inflammatory ones (for example, PGE3 and LTB5). In addition, EPA and DHA give rise to specialized pro-resolving mediators that actively help resolve inflammation. This mechanism explains why omega-3s can dampen lung inflammation in ARDS. They do not act primarily as antioxidants, do not increase pro-inflammatory cytokines, and do not neutralize all cytokines.