Analysis: COX1 Genotype Determines Fish Oil’s Efficacy Against AD

A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial indicated prenatal ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LCPUFA) supplementation may reduce the risk of childhood atopic dermatitis (AD) in a genotype-specific manner.

Researchers for the analysis reported that mothers carrying the COX1 TT genotype who received n-3 LCPUFA supplements during pregnancy experienced a reduced risk of their children developing AD up to age 10. No risk reduction was observed for mothers with the CT genotype. Increased risk for AD was reported in children of mothers with the CC genotype who received the supplementation.

The study included data from 635 mother-child pairs enrolled in the Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood 2010 birth cohort, with a follow-up period extending out to 10 years. Mothers were randomized to receive either 2.4 g of n-3 LCPUFA (fish oil) or a placebo (olive oil) daily from 24 weeks' gestation until one week postpartum. The authors noted the findings indicate a potential interaction between maternal COX1 genotype and n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in influencing childhood AD risk.

Importantly, the interaction between maternal COX1 genotype and supplementation was statistically significant, suggesting that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation might be beneficial for reducing AD risk only in mothers with the TT genotype, according to the study. This also raises concerns about potential adverse effects for those with the CC genotype.

"The findings support use of a personalized prevention strategy for reducing the burden of childhood AD by genotyping expecting mothers in early pregnancy and providing n-3 LCPUFA supplementation only to women carrying the COX1 TT genotype," the authors wrote.

Source: Chen L, et al. JAMA Dermatology. 2024. Doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.2849