Cell 142, 687–698 (2010)

The major components of fish oil, ω-3 fatty acids, are well known to have health benefits. Now researchers have discovered the molecular mechanism for their anti-inflammatory effects.

Jerrold Olefsky at the University of California, San Diego, and his colleagues show that the fatty acids bind to a receptor molecule called GPR120. In fat cells and macrophages — white blood cells involved in inflammation — this binding inhibited several biochemical activities known to trigger inflammation. In addition, it decreased insulin resistance, which is linked to inflammation, in fat cells and in mice fed a high-fat diet. The fat tissue in these mice also had fewer macrophages. The fatty acids had no effect in cells or mice that lacked GPR120.