Cardiovascular Protective Effects of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Special Emphasis on Docosahexaenoic Acid

It is widely accepted that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) rich in fish oils protect against several types of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, or hypertension. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be the active biol...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Pharmacological Sciences 2003, Vol.92(4), pp.308-316
Main Authors: Hirafuji, Masahiko, Machida, Takuji, Hamaue, Naoya, Minami, Masaru
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Cardiotonic Agents - pharmacology
Cardiotonic Agents - therapeutic use
cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular Diseases - metabolism
Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control
Cardiovascular System - drug effects
Cardiovascular System - metabolism
docosahexaenoic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acids - pharmacology
Docosahexaenoic Acids - therapeutic use
eicosapentaenoic acid
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - pharmacology
Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - therapeutic use
Humans
vascular smooth muscle cell
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Summary:It is widely accepted that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) rich in fish oils protect against several types of cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, or hypertension. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may be the active biological components of these effects. Although the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects are still uncertain, the protective effects of n-3 PUFAs are attributable to their direct effects on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) functions. These n-3 PUFAs activate K+ATP channels and inhibit certain types of Ca2+ channels, probably via at least 2 distinct mechanisms. N-3 PUFAs favorably alter the eicosanoid profile and regulate cytokine-induced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 via mechanisms involving modulation of signaling transduction events. N-3 PUFAs also modulate VSMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. These recent data suggest that modulation of these VSMC functions contribute to the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFAs on various cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, recent studies strongly suggest that DHA has more potent and beneficial effects than EPA. However, many questions about the cellular and molecular mechanisms still remain to be answered.
ISSN:1347-8613
1347-8648
DOI:10.1254/jphs.92.308