Cardioprotective mechanism of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are widely regarded as cardioprotective. Several large scale, randomized clinical trials have shown that dietary intake of omega 3 PUFAs improves the prognosis of patients with symptomatic heart failure or recent myocardial infarction. Therefore, dietary consumption of omega 3 PUFA is recommended in international guidelines for the general population to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) However, the precise mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective effects of omega 3 PUFAs are not fully understood. Omega 3 PUFAs can be incorporated into the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes and can affect membrane fluidity, lipid microdomain formation, and signaling across membranes. Omega 3 PUFAs also modulate the function of membrane ion channels, such as Na and L type Ca channels, to prevent lethal arrhythmias. Moreover, omega 3 PUFAs also prevent the conversion of arachidonic acid into pro inflammatory eicosanoids by serving as an alternative substrate for cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase, resulting in the production of less potent products. In addition, a number of enzymatically oxygenated metabolites derived from omega 3 PUFAs were recently identified as anti inflammatory mediators. These omega 3 metabolites may contribute to the beneficial effects against CVDs that are attributed to omega 3 PUFAs.
Journal of cardiology