Adipose tissue triglyceride fatty acids and atherosclerosis in Alaska Natives and non-Natives.
Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the omega-3 family are believed to protect against cardiovascular disease. A rich source of omega-3 PUFA is found in fish and marine mammals (seal, walrus, whale), which are a large part of the traditional diet of Alaska Natives (Eskimo, American Indians, Aleuts), a group that has been reported to have a lower mortality rate from cardiovascular disease than non-Natives. An autopsy study using standardized methods to evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis and its risk factors, and analyses of stored triglyceride fatty acids was conducted in a sample of Alaska Native subjects and non-Native subjects living in Alaska. Findings indicate that Alaska Natives had less advanced atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, along with higher proportions of omega-3 and lower proportions of omega-6 PUFA in adipose tissue, than did non-Natives. We conclude that high dietary intake of omega-3 PUFA may account for the lower extent of coronary artery atherosclerosis, contributing to the reported lower heart disease mortality among Alaska Natives.
McLaughlin
Joe
J
Epidemic Intelligence Service Program, Epidemiology Program Office, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. joe_mclaughlin@health.state.ak.us
Middaugh
John
J
Boudreau
Donald
D
Malcom
Gray
G
Parry
Steve
S
Tracy
Richard
R
Newman
William
W
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism*; D000328:Adult; D000413:Alaska / Q000453:epidemiology; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000378:metabolism; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000378:metabolism; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D004930:Inuit / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000378:metabolism*
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D014280:Triglycerides