The Cardioprotective Effects of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Depends on the Balance Between Their Anti- and Pro-Oxidative Properties

• Published in: Nutrients 2024-11, Vol.16 (22), p.3937
• Main Author: Sidorkiewicz, Malgorzata
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - pharmacology; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Arachidonic acid; Arachidonic Acid - metabolism; Atherosclerosis; Atrial fibrillation; Carbon; Cardiotonic Agents - pharmacology; Cardiovascular Diseases - prevention & control; Diet; Dietary supplements; Enzymes; Fatty acids; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 - pharmacology; Fatty Acids, Omega-6 - pharmacology; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated - pharmacology; Health aspects; Human body; Humans; Inflammation; Inflammation - metabolism; Inflammation - prevention & control; Lipids; Membranes; Metabolism; Metabolites; Nervous system; Oxidation-Reduction - drug effects; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Physiological aspects; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Review; Type 2 diabetes; Unsaturated fatty acids
• ISSN: 2072-6643; 2072-6643
• DOI: 10.3390/nu16223937

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are not only structural components of membrane phospholipids and energy storage molecules in cells. PUFAs are important factors that regulate various biological functions, including inflammation, oxidation, and immunity. Both -3 and -6 PUFAs from cell membranes can be metabolized into pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory metabolites that, in turn, influence cardiovascular health in humans. The role that PUFAs play in organisms depends primarily on their structure, quantity, and the availability of enzymes responsible for their metabolism. -3 PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), are generally known for anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective properties. On the other hand, -6 FAs, such as arachidonic acid (AA), are precursors of lipid mediators that display mostly pro-inflammatory properties and may attenuate the efficacy of -3 by competition for the same enzymes. However, a completely different light on the role of PUFAs was shed due to studies on the influence of PUFAs on new-onset atrial fibrillation. This review analyzes the role of PUFAs and PUFA derivatives in health-related effects, considering both confirmed benefits and newly arising controversies.