Long-chain PUFA and painful temporomandibular disorder in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Abstract

n -6 and n -3 long-chain PUFA play opposing roles in inflammation, anxiety and nociception, all of which are closely associated with chronic pain. We hypothesised that diets high in n -6 arachidonic acid (C20:4 n -6, AA) and low in combined n -3 EPA (C20:5 n -3, EPA) and DHA (C22:6 n -3, DHA) would be associated with higher odds of painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD). We analysed baseline data from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL). Two 24-h dietary recall surveys quantified intake of long-chain n -6 and n -3 PUFA along with their precursors, linoleic acid (C18:2 n -6, LA) and alpha linolenic acid (C18:3 n -3, ALA), respectively. n -3 PUFA supplementation was quantified. Interviewer-administered questions assessed TMD. Survey multiple logistic regression estimated covariate-adjusted OR and 95 % confidence limits (CL) for associations between PUFA and TMD. From 2008 to 2011, HCHS/SOL recruited 16 415 adults of Hispanic/Latino backgrounds (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican, Mexican, Central/South American), through field centres located in Miami, FL; San Diego CA; Chicago, IL; and the Bronx, NY. 13 870 participants with non-missing data. In analysis adjusted for covariates, each sd increase in dietary intake of C20:4 n -6, AA was associated with 12 % higher odds of TMD (OR = 1·12, CL: 1·01, 1·24). Although the dietary intake of combined long-chain C20:5 n -3, EPA and C22:6 n -3 DHA was not associated with TMD, each sd increase in n -3 dietary supplement was associated with lower odds of TMD. A diet rich in C20:4 n -6, AA was associated with higher odds of painful TMD.