The role of marine omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids in inflammatory processes, atherosclerosis and plaque stability.

Abstract

Atherosclerosis has an important inflammatory component and acute cardiovascular events can be initiated by inflammatory processes occurring in advanced plaques. Fatty acids influence inflammation through a variety of mechanisms; many of these are mediated by, or associated with, the fatty acid composition of cell membranes. Human inflammatory cells are typically rich in the n-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid, but the contents of arachidonic acid and of the marine n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can be altered through oral administration of EPA and DHA. Eicosanoids produced from arachidonic acid have roles in inflammation. EPA also gives rise to eicosanoids and these are usually biologically weak. EPA and DHA give rise to resolvins which are anti-inflammatory and inflammation resolving. EPA and DHA also affect production of peptide mediators of inflammation (adhesion molecules, cytokines, etc.). Thus, the fatty acid composition of human inflammatory cells influences their function; the contents of arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA appear to be especially important. The anti-inflammatory effects of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may contribute to their protective actions towards atherosclerosis and plaque rupture.

• Authors: Philip C Calder
• Journal: Molecular nutrition & food research (Mol Nutr Food Res) Vol. 56 Issue 7 Pg. 1073-80 (Jul 2012) ISSN: 1613-4133 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 22760980 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3
• Fish Oils
• Inflammation Mediators

Topics

• Animals
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (analysis, metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Aquatic Organisms (metabolism)
• Atherosclerosis (immunology, metabolism, prevention & control)
• Endothelium, Vascular (immunology, metabolism)
• Fatty Acids, Omega-3 (analysis, metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Fish Oils (chemistry, metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Functional Food (analysis)
• Humans
• Inflammation Mediators (antagonists & inhibitors, metabolism)
• Plaque, Atherosclerotic (immunology, metabolism, prevention & control)