title: Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Structural and Functional Effects on the Vascular Wall.
abstract: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Increasing evidence demonstrating a beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA on arterial wall properties is progressively emerging. We reviewed the recent available evidence for the cardiovascular effects of n-3 PUFA focusing on structural and functional properties of the vascular wall. In experimental studies and clinical trials n-3 PUFA have shown the ability to improve arterial hemodynamics by reducing arterial stiffness, thus explaining some of its cardioprotective properties. Recent studies suggest beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on endothelial activation, which are likely to improve vascular function. Several molecular, cellular, and physiological pathways influenced by n-3 PUFA can affect arterial wall properties and therefore interfere with the atherosclerotic process. Although the relative weight of different physiological and molecular mechanisms and the dose-response on arterial wall properties have yet to be determined, n-3 PUFA have the potential to beneficially impact arterial wall remodeling and cardiovascular outcomes by targeting arterial wall stiffening and endothelial dysfunction.
authors: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors: Michela
authors: M
authors: Zanetti
authors: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Grillo
authors: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors: Pasquale
authors: P
authors: Losurdo
authors: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors: Emiliano
authors: E
authors: Panizon
authors: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors: Filippo
authors: F
authors: Mearelli
authors: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors: Luigi
authors: L
authors: Cattin
authors: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors: Rocco
authors: R
authors: Barazzoni
authors: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy.
authors: Renzo
authors: R
authors: Carretta
mesh_terms: D001011:Aorta / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D001158:Arteries / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D059289:Vascular Stiffness
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3