Omega-3 fatty acids and cytochrome P450-derived eicosanoids in cardiovascular diseases: Which actions and interactions modulate hemodynamics?
Increasing interest is focused on omega-3 fatty acids (FA) because of their potential beneficial effects, particularly in cardiovascular disease prevention. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), two major omega-3 FA, are mainly consumed through diet, particularly from fish and seafood intake, whereas alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is present in high amounts in leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds. The hypothesis of a cardiovascular protective action of omega-3 FA derives mainly from observational studies, whereas the evidence from interventional studies is not always consistent. Nonetheless, clinical trials and meta-analyses indicate a positive action, at minimum on blood pressure (BP). Omega-3 FA may act through different biological pathways; however, in our review, we seek to revisit, most notably, the role of their metabolites via cytochrome P450 (CYP450) in hemodynamic modulation. We emphasize that the effect of omega-3 FA may depend on their balance with other dietary compounds, particularly omega-6 FA, which compete for the same pathways, thus modulating the production of metabolites. Furthermore, the biological activity of omega-3 FA might be better explained by the complex balance and interactions between a variety of nutrients and polymorphisms of genes implicated in specific metabolic pathways.
University of Verona, Department of Medicine, General Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Italy.
Sara
S
Bonafini
University of Verona, Department of Medicine, General Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Italy. Electronic address: cristiano.fava@univr.it.
Cristiano
C
Fava
D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / Q000378:metabolism*; D015777:Eicosanoids / Q000378:metabolism*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000378:metabolism; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans
D015777:Eicosanoids; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D003577:Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
Cardiovascular disease; Cytochrome P450 eicosanoids; Hemodynamics; Omega-3 fatty acids