Pleiotropic, cardioprotective effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
The cardioprotective effects of food rich in omega-3 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on cardiovascular risk has been of interest from the moment when a low rate of coronary heart disease was documented in the Eskimo population. The aim of the present review is to discuss recent studies documenting multidirectional action of omega-3 PUFA due to its pleiotropic properties. Experimental studies in cellular and animal models have extensively documented the favorable effects of omega-3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) on: inflammatory processes, endothelial dysfunction, platelet aggregation and arrhythmogenesis. It was reported that antiarrhythmic effects of omega-3 PUFA resulted from stabilization of cardiomyocyte membrane and inhibition of ion channels. Moreover, PUFA possess several pleiotropic properties i.e. anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and antithrombotic. Anti-atherogenic effects (plaque stabilization) of omega-3 PUFA have recently been demonstrated. It was documented (OCEAN study) that eicosapentaenoic acid from a source of highly purified ethyl esters is incorporated into plaques in a relatively short period of time and these higher concentrations of omega-3 PUFA may stabilize vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. The anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 PUFA is associated with reduction of levels of TNF-alpha and interleukin-6. Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid inhibit arachidonic acid metabolism to inflammatory eicosanoids.
Dimitrow
Pawel Petkow
PP
2nd Department of Cardiology CMUJ, 31-501 Carcow, Poland. dimitrow@mp.pl
Jawien
Marek
M
D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3