[Research advances on polyunsaturated fatty acids in pediatric asthma].

Abstract

Pediatric asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by reversible airway obstruction. Nevertheless, severe cases are frequently complicated by acute exacerbations and carry an elevated risk of progression to irreversible airflow limitation. Given that immune dysregulation underpins this pathogenic process, the majority of affected children exhibit a Type 2 (T2) inflammatory phenotype. This phenotype is defined by eosinophil, mast cell, and basophil infiltration-processes predominantly driven by T-helper 2 (Th2) cells and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). As essential dietary nutrients, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) exert profound regulatory effects on these pathophysiological pathways, modulating immune-inflammatory responses and supporting gut microbial homeostasis. Accordingly, this review provides a systematic summary of the biological properties of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs, with particular emphasis on their functional roles and underlying molecular mechanisms in pediatric asthma, aiming to provide evidence-based strategies for early prevention and precision nutritional intervention.