(24-05-12) Fish oil and vascular endothelial protection: Bench-to-bedside.

Balakumar P, Taneja G.
Source
Cardiovascular Pharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Rajendra Institute of Technology and Sciences (RITS), Sirsa-125 055, India.
Abstract
Fish oil is recommended for the management of hypertriglyceridemia and to prevent secondary cardiovascular disorders. The American Heart Association recommends 1 g of fish oil on daily basis to patients with coronary heart disease for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events. Fish oil is a major source of omega-3 polyunsaturatedfatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Clinical studies suggest that fish oil not only prevents the incidence of detrimental cardiovascular events; but also lowers cardiovascular mortality rate. Besides a classic lipid-lowering action, omega-3-PUFAs in fish oil could regulate blood pressure and enhance vascular integrity and compliance. Additionally, omega-3-PUFAs have abilities to protect vascular endothelial cells by decreasing oxidative stress, halting atherosclerotic events and preventing vascular inflammatory and adhesion cascades. Intriguingly, recent studies have demonstrated that omega-3-PUFAs improve the function of vascular endothelium by enhancing the generation and bioavailability of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (nitric oxide) through upregulation and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). This certainly opens up a new area of research identifying potential mechanisms influencing fish oil-mediated functional regulatory action on vascular endothelium. We addressed in this review the potential of fish oil in preventing vascular endothelial dysfunction and -associated cardiovascular disorders. Moreover, the mechanisms pertaining to fish oil-mediated eNOS activation and nitric oxide generation in improving endothelial function have been delineated. We finally suggest an importance of further studies in order to determine the dose adjustment of fish oil with optimal ratio of EPA and DHA for achieving consistent cardiovascular protection.

Source: Free Radic Biol Med. 2012 May 11

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