Role of Omega-3 in exercise induced bronchospasm?

Question

I have mild exercise induced bronchospasm (EIB, once called exercise induced asthma), to where I have been prescribed inhalers (ProAir HFA - Albuterol sulfate) but have very rarely needed to use them post endurance exercise sessions.

I ran across a publication referring to a study on a new Omega-3 formulation from an Australian mussel source, indicating that supplementation with this had a drastic (59%) reduction impact on EIB both during and after exercise bouts. (With a disclaimer that the formulator of the Omega-3 supplement paid for, but did not participate in the study).

The merits of the study aside, I'm interested in knowing what the mechanism of action would be in the Omega-3 formulation that could cause this reduction?

Answer 1

Since all of the studies on this specific product seem not only mussel-like but downright fishy when reporting large effects the following is a bit speculative and just assumes that it actually works:

Two aspects of action seem possible:

EIB is often seen as "even cases of asthma in which exercise appears to be the only trigger of bronchial obstruction (pure EIA) may be manifestations of chronic inflammation of the airways."

• The clam-extract is said to contain 30 PUFAs and especially the Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. When the ratio of Omega-3 is moved towards the optimum it is commonly believed to reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man.
• The extract is said to be an inhibitor for the 5-lipoxygenase pathway and might therefore be called an antileukotriene.

The product differs from what was marketed as an anti-arthritis medication which largely proved unsuccessful. If the main action is indeed from the PUFAs then I wonder how much exactly is in those pills and why it should not be possible to use the PUFAs and other inflammation reducing foods from other sources. A more optimised ratio of fatty acids is advised anyway.