(09-05-10) A novel effect of eicosapentaenoic acid: improved diaphragm strength in endotoxemia.

Calder PC.
School of Medicine, University of Southampton, IDS Building, MP887 Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. [email protected].
Abstract

ABSTRACT: Respiratory muscle weakness is commonplace in critically ill patients, impairing the ability of those patients to breath, prolonging the need for ventilatory support, and increasing the likelihood of respiratory failure when that support is removed. Infections and endotoxemia reduce respiratory muscle strength, probably acting through several mechanisms. It is reported that the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) attenuates the loss in diaphragm specific force generation (that is, diaphragm strength) induced by bacterial endotoxin treatment in rats. EPA is found in fish oils. EPA reduces calpain activation, suggesting a specific effect on this proteolytic pathway. It will be important to identify whether this effect occurs in patients receiving EPA.

Source: Crit Care. 2010 Apr 23;14(2):143.

News

---

In evidenza

"L'informazione presente nel sito serve a migliorare, e non a sostituire, il rapporto medico-paziente."

Per coloro che hanno problemi di salute si consiglia di consultare sempre il proprio medico curante.