Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid on Arterial Calcification

Abstract

Arterial calcification is a hallmark of advanced atherosclerosis and predicts cardiovascular events. However, there is no clinically accepted therapy that prevents progression of arterial calcification. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, statins, lower low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular events, but coronary artery calcification is actually promoted by statins. The addition of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to statins further reduced cardiovascular events in clinical trials, JELIS and REDUCE-IT. Additionally, we found that EPA significantly suppressed arterial calcification in vitro and in vivo via suppression of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress and Wnt signaling. However, so far there is a lack of evidence showing the effect of EPA on arterial calcification in a clinical situation. We reviewed the molecular mechanisms of the inhibitory effect of EPA on arterial calcification and the results of some clinical trials.

Requirement of Na⁺/H⁺ Exchanger NHE1 for Vasopressin-Induced Osteogenic Signaling and Calcification in Human Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells

“…In VSMCs, luminal acidification may be involved in phosphate-induced calcification [46] and calcium-phosphate-induced cell death [47]. NHE1 may further be required for the generation of oxidative stress [48][49][50][51][52], which has in turn been shown to participate in the orchestration of osteogenic signaling [53][54][55][56][57]. In addition, NHE1 activity may be linked to production of inflammatory cytokines [58], which may contribute to osteogenic mechanisms in VSMCs [59].…”

Scaffold-free human vascular calcification model using a bio-three-dimensional printer

“…Next, we examined other substances that induce calcification. However, several drugs inhibit vascular calcification in vitro and in vivo [44][45][46][47][48][49]. In this study, we performed rosuvastatin administration experiments but did not confirm the effect of inhibiting tissue calcification.…”

Engineering Yarrowia lipolytica to produce nutritional fatty acids: Current status and future perspectives

“…EPA is a typical ω-3 PUFA traditionally derived from ocean fish oils, which has been prescribed to reduce triglycerides and inhibit arterial calcification [ 79 ]. Microbial production of EPA typically proceeds via the aerobic desaturase/elongase pathway.…”