Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insights From Genetic Predisposition and Proteomics
Authors' conclusion
These findings indicated the potential benefits of n-3 PUFAs intake in reducing RA risk and provided new insights into the mechanisms by which n-3 PUFAs influence RA risk.
Study context
- Population
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-free participants in the UK Biobank1,640 RA cases
- Participants
- 188,597 participants
- Exposure
- Higher PUFA intake and RA risk
- Outcome
- Incident RA
Methodological detailsUK Biobank, Cox proportional hazard models, polygenic risk score, Olink proteomics, mediation analyses
- UK Biobank
- Cox proportional hazard models
- Polygenic risk score
- Olink proteomics
- Mediation analyses
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
median follow-up 9.1 years
Each one-SD deviation increase in stearidonic acid (SDA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intake reduced RA risk
9% to 10%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
n-3 PUFA intake in high genetic risk (subgroup)
- n-3 PUFA intake (SDA, EPA, DPA, DHA) significantly decreased RA risk among individuals with high genetic risk, with antagonistic additive interactions against genetic predisposition
Proteomic mediation
- Mediating proteins involved in immune regulation, inflammation and cell homeostasis
- 55
- CD80 and TNF receptor superfamily 4 emerged as vital mediators between specific n-3 PUFA intake and RA risk
Original publication
Dietary Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insights From Genetic Predisposition and Proteomics. Arthritis Rheumatol. Published 1 July 2025. doi:10.
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