Pleiotropic, cardioprotective effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2009 Aug;9(9):1030-9. doi: 10.2174/138955709788922638.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / metabolism
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Agents / chemistry
  • Cardiovascular Agents / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diet therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / chemistry
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / metabolism
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3