Docosahexaenoic acid regulates vascular endothelial cell function and prevents cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is present in high concentrations in salmon, herring, and trout. Epidemiologic studies have shown that high dietary consumption of these and other oily fish is associated with reduced rates of myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and other ischemic pathologies. Atherosclerosis is induced by inflammation and can lead to acute cardiovascular events and extensive plaque. DHA inhibits the development of inflammation in endothelial cells, alters the function and regulation of vascular biomarkers, and reduces cardiovascular risk. It also affects vascular relaxation and constriction by controlling nitric oxide and endothelin 1 production in endothelial cells. DHA also contributes to the prevention of arteriosclerosis by regulating the expression of oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor 1, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, thromboxane A2 receptor, and adhesion molecules such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in endothelial cells. Recent research showed that DHA reduces the increase in adhesion factor expression induced by lipopolysaccharide by suppressing toll-like receptor 4. A new mechanism of action of DHA has been described that is mediated through endothelial free fatty acid receptor 4, associated with heme oxygenase 1 induction by Nrf2. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of action of DHA in cardiovascular disease prevention are not yet completely understood. The aim of this paper was to review the effects of DHA on vascular endothelial cells and recent findings on their potential for the prevention of circulatory diseases.

Docosahexaenoic acid reversed atherosclerotic changes in human endothelial cells induced by palmitic acid in vitro

“…In line with our result, Yu et al claimed that the down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 was responsible for the declined level of PGE 2 after treatment with DHA 27. Docosahexaenoic acid had potential to increase the NO level, which is thought to be essential in vasodilation and endothelial haemostasis and protection 30,31. We also noted a profound reduction in NO level in Pal-treated cells, showing dysregulated NO synthesis inside endothelial lineage.…”

“…Docosahexaenoic acid had potential to increase the NO level, which is thought to be essential in vasodilation and endothelial haemostasis and protection. 30,31 Our study further demonstrated that Pal could increase the expression of eNOS and PTX3 genes, causing nitro-oxidative or nitrosative stress. 32,33 It was previously stated that eNOS activation was initiated by omega-3 fatty acids like DHA by engaging Src/PI3kinase/Akt and MAPK signalling pathways.…”

The Various Roles of Fatty Acids

“…A diet rich in ω3 has since long been connected with maintaining cardiac and vascular health and preventing atherosclerosis [ 202 , 203 , 204 ]. Although some gaps in knowledge remain regarding the precise mode of action explaining the cardioprotective effects of EPA and DHA, several mechanisms have been proposed: preventing arrhythmias [ 205 , 206 ], lowering plasma triacylglycerol [ 207 ], preventing chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced atherosclerosis [ 208 ], decreasing arterial cholesterol delivery and preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in arteries [ 209 ], regulating vascular endothelial cell function and improving vascular relaxation [ 210 ], decreasing platelet aggregation [ 211 ] and arterial inflammatory responses [ 212 ].…”

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates H 2 O 2 -triggered oxidative injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells via promoting KLF2

“…Vasculature distributes in almost all organs and tissues and emerges a fundamental role in the function of organs and tissues [2]. Thus, vascular endothelial cell dysfunction has become a key factor in the occurrence and development of many diseases, including hypertension, coronary heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases [3,4]. Thrombosis caused by vascular endothelial injury is the pathological basis of many cardiovascular diseases.…”