The Potential Usefulness of Several Insects and Fatty Acids in Allergic Disorders

Insects are the largest and widely distributed group of animals and contain high quality essential fatty acids, proteins and minerals...


Introduction
Insect medicine is an old ancient medicinal concept that is still used in Asia. It can be understood as the traditional animal species medicines, including the dried animal bodies, secretions and processing natural products of medicinal insects. Entomotherapy is the use of insects as medicines and is an important complementary and alternative to modern therapy in many parts of the world [1]. One of the most considerable differences in the drug materials in East Asian traditional and modern scientific medicines is the use of insects [2,3]. Nutritionally, insects are high in protein and fat compared with typical dietary items like fruit and vegetation. In small quantities, they may serve to provide important fatty acids. It is well known that insects are not only selected based on their environmental availability, but also their nutrient composition. Insects can play a key role (in anti-inflammatory responses by inhibiting (secreting) inflammatory mediators) in the diet of many nations. Their high nutritive value is mainly determined by a high content of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other bioactive substances [4].

Reduces IgE binding to allergens
Anti-inflammatory effect 10-nitro-oleic acid blocked phosphorylation and degradation of IkB and enhanced inhibitory binding of PPARγ to NF-kB Oral administration of oleic acid decreases the production of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6) by Rat macrophages Inhibits the endothelial expression of VCAM-1, E-selectin and ICAM-1 Chung SY et al. [15] Carrillo C et al. [16] Reddy AT et al. [17] Magdalon J et al. [18] Carluccio MA et al. [19] Linoleic acid C 18 H 32 O 2

Reduce broncho-alveaolar inflammatory cell count and lung IL-5 levels in an animal model of allergic asthma through a PPARγ-dependent mechanism
Reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines production by eosinophils and bronchial epithelial cells

Decrease ex vivo IL-4 production in splenocytes
Reduce allergen-induced IgE levels

Conjugated linoleic and vaccenic acids suppresses inflammation and changes to the airways in an animal model of allergic airway disease
Anti-inflammatory effects in allergic subjects with birch pollen allergy Jaudszus A et al. [20] Jaudszus A et al. [21] Kelley DS et al. [22] Yamasaki M et al. [23] Kanwar RK et al. [24] Turpeinen AM, et al. [25] Palmitoleic acid C 16

H 30 O 2
Promotes anti-inflammatory effects in macrophages exposed to LPS through inhibition of inflammasome pathway Wang X, et al. [33] Conclusion Therefore, above results provide evidence about the potential usefulness of the mixture of fatty acids from medicinal insects in allergic disorders. Overall, fatty acids have various roles in the way they affect the immune system and allergic responses and no single dietary fatty acid is suitable for treating allergic disorders. It is necessary to conduct more large scale studies with relevant animal models to arrive at meaningful recommendations for various fatty acid interventions for clinical usefulness. Further scientific research will be accomplished. This issue is and will be subject of work of many researchers from different areas.