Haemostatic function and platelet polyunsaturated fatty acids in Eskimos.
Death from cardiovascular disease is rare among Eskimos. Haemostasis was investigated in twenty-one Greeland Eskimos and twenty-one age and sex matched Danish controls. Platelet lipid analysis demonstrated that a high consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as cis 5, 8, 11, 14, 17-eicosapentaenoic acid [C20:5]) by Eskimos increased the proportion of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the platelets. The Eskimos had a significantly longer bleeding-time due to a reduction in platelet aggregation. It is suggested that C20:5 in the platelets is converted by the vascular-wall tissue to an anti-aggregatory prostacyclin. Partial dietary substitution of arachidonic acid by eicosapentaenoic acid may reduce the incidence of thrombotic disorders, including myocardial infarction.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D001780:Blood Coagulation Tests; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D003718:Denmark; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004537:Eicosanoic Acids / Q000097:blood*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D006116:Greenland; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010974:Platelet Aggregation
D004041:Dietary Fats; D004537:Eicosanoic Acids; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents