The effects of n-3 fatty acids on plasma lipids and lipoproteins and other cardiovascular risk factors in patients with hyperlipidemia.
This review discusses the effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids on the plasma concentrations and metabolism of lipoproteins with a particular focus on work in human subjects. The influence of dietary n-3 fatty acids on the concentrations of plasma lipoproteins are affected by the amount of n-3 fatty acids as well as by the lipoprotein phenotype in the patients under investigation. On the basis of the observed changes in lipoproteins, dietary n-3 fatty acids exert the greatest effects on the concentrations of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins; their therapeutic potential is greatest in patients with hypertriglyceridemia. In addition to their effects on plasma lipoproteins, dietary n-3 fatty acids have been reported to exert potentially favorable effects on blood pressure, platelet function and viscosity. These effects may justify the use of supplements of dietary n-3 fatty acids in selected patients with hypertriglyceridemia to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis; however, the benefits of such therapy remain to be demonstrated.
Schmidt
E B
EB
Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland.
Kristensen
S D
SD
De Caterina
R
R
Illingworth
D R
DR
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood*; D012307:Risk Factors
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008055:Lipids; D008074:Lipoproteins