In this work, we determine the in vitro effects of different fatty acids (MUFA, n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA) on T lymphocyte proliferation, on membrane fatty acid composition, and the secretion of interleukins 2. The T lymphocytes were isolated from children’s blood, control and obese living in Tlemcen area. These cells were incubated in presence of oils (fish oil, olive oil, and nigel oil), and then stimulated by a “mitogen” agent (Concanavaline A during 48 hours). At the end of the treatment, the cells were counted and the surnageant was used for interleukin 2 assay. The cells were used for membrane fatty acid composition. A reduction of cell proliferation, basal or stimulated by mitogen agent (Con A) was observed in obese children compared to controls. The presence of oils reduced the lymphoproliferation in obese children as well as in controls. Indeed, these oils, especially fish oil, decreased interleukin 2. The fatty acid analysis by chromatography showed that the presence of oils leads to change in the phospholipid fatty acid composition in obese children and controls. All these results indicated that fatty acids (MUFA, n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA) can modulate lymphocyte T activity and the secretion of cytokines in obese children.
