Omega–3 Fatty Acids, Inflammation and Angiogenesis: Nutrigenomic Effects as an Explanation for Anti-Atherogenic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fish and Fish Oils

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a dynamic process with inflammatory aspects playing a considerable pathogenetic role. In this process, the vascular endothelium is the key regulator of vascular function, promoting the maintenance of vascular homeostasis or the progression towards vascular disease. In the past 30 years, the dietary intake of omega–3 (n–3) polyunsaturated fatty acids – mainly derived from fish – has emerged as an important way to modify cardiovascular risk through beneficial effects on all stages of atherosclerosis. This review specifically focuses on the modulating effects of n–3 fatty acids on molecular events involved in early and late atherogenesis, including effects on endothelial expression of adhesion molecules, as well as pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic enzymes. By accumulating in endothelial membrane phospholipids, omega–3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease the transcriptional activation of several genes through a decreased activation of the nuclear factor-ĸB system of transcription factors. This occurs secondary to decreased generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. This series of investigations configures a clear example of nutrigenomics, i.e. how nutrients may affect gene expression, ultimately affecting a wide spectrum of human diseases.

The Effects of n-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Biomarkers of Kidney Injury in Adults With Diabetes

“…n-3 PUFA supplementation may also alter the balance of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids available for prostaglandin production, causing a favorable shift toward production of prostaglandins with more vasodilator effects, enhanced immune function, and reduced inflammation (16,23), mechanisms that may contribute to CKD progression in diabetic kidney disease. n-3 PUFA supplementation may also decrease renal ischemic effects through rheostatic changes on erythrocyte membranes.…”

Dietary docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid: Emerging mediators of inflammation

“…A plethora of dietary studies using rodent species have demonstrated that dietary fish oil reduces pro-inflammatory responses, in part, by diminishing T-cell proliferative capacity in response to mitogenic stimuli and antigenic stimulation [2-6]. Similar suppressive effects were observed with respect to the dendritic cell, endothelial cell, macrophage, and neutrophil components of the inflammatory response [7-12]. By using purified diets enriched with fish oil or eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ethyl esters, a number of studies have demonstrated that both EPA and DHA are bioactive and suppress antigen-specific delayed hypersensitivity reactions and mitogen-induced proliferation of T-cells, as well as modulate murine T-helper cell (Th1/Th2) balance [13-15].…”

Mauritia flexuosaPresentsIn VitroandIn VivoAntiplatelet and Antithrombotic Activities

“…Thus, in primary prevention trials, an energy-unrestricted Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil or nuts resulted in a substantial reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events among high-risk persons [6]. Even, a higher consumption of vegetable oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (sunflower, corn, canola, and olive oils) has been associated with lower concentrations of inflammatory mediators [7], oxidative damage [8], and an increase of the healthy cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) [9]. …”