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The Role of Omega 6 Fatty Acids in Allergies, Asthma, and Histamine PUFAs, particularly arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA), can amplify allergic responses. AA is made from the LA in the body or consumed in animal foods. AA is then used to make eicosanoids, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. These substances are made from AA by cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes. Leukotrienes are mediators of allergic reactions. They can cause the narrowing of the airways, leading to lung problems like asthma. They also increase vascular permeability, the ability of small molecules and fluids to pass from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. When blood vessels are more permeable, they allow more substances to pass through their walls. This results in swelling or edema in the tissues, as more fluid from the blood ends up in the spaces between cells. Leukotrienes also draw inflammatory cells to the area experiencing the allergic response [36]. These leukotrienes are particularly important for people with asthma. Montelukast, also known as Singulair, is a medication used in the maintenance treatment of asthma. It is a leukotriene receptor antagonist – it blocks the effects of leukotriene D4 in the lungs. Other AA-derived substances including prostaglandins like PGE2 also have a role in amplifying allergic responses. Histamine Histamine is another substance central to allergic responses. Upon encountering a trigger, IgE antibodies activate mast cells and basophils (cells) to release histamine. Histamine increases the permeability of blood vessels, also referred to as leakiness, allowing fluids to seep into surrounding tissues, causing swelling, redness, and warmth. Histamine also leads to bronchoconstriction, narrowing the airways and causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Histamine stimulates nerve endings, causing the characteristic itching sensation associated with skin allergies. Additionally, histamine contributes significantly to nasal itching, sneezing, congestion, and runny nose experienced during hay fever. While many individuals with allergies are aware of histamine's role in these conditions, it is less well-known that PUFAs can amplify histamine production. Research conducted on mast cells showed that LA and AA increase histamine release; the effect is probably due to byproducts of the COX and LOX enzymes [37]. [36] The role of leukotrienes in allergic diseases PMID: 25572555 [37] Histamine release from rat mast cells induced by metabolic activation of polyunsaturated fatty acids into free radicals PMID: 1690007 <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/sudas1891/status/1780000240310898837" color="blue">x.com/sudas1891/stat…</a>