n-3 Fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: actions and molecular mechanisms.
Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological studies and randomized control intervention trials have reported that n-3 fatty acids reduce cardiovascular events. A variety of biologic and molecular effects of n-3 fatty acids can modulate the mechanisms of development and progression of atherosclerosis. These include n-3 fatty acid effects on inflammation, cardiac excitability, platelet function, triglyceride blood levels, blood pressure and the stability of atheroma plaques. The molecular mechanisms are still not fully defined; but might involve changes in membrane fluidity, receptor responses and binding to intracellular receptors regulating gene transcription. Understanding and elucidating these mechanisms is important to development of future strategies for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Department of Pediatrics and the Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, 630 W 168th Street, PH1512, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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C
Torrejon
U J
UJ
Jung
R J
RJ
Deckelbaum
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control; D008954:Models, Biological
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3