Atherosclerosis, 05/23/2014 Clinical Article
Le Goff W – Omega–3 fatty acids (n–3) FA are reported to be protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD), notably through their beneficial action on atherosclerosis development. In this context dietary intake of long–chain marine eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is recommended and randomized trials largely support that EPA and DHA intake is associated with a reduction of CVD.
A new piece in the puzzling effect of n-3 fatty acids on atherosclerosis?
Wilfried Le Goff, PhD
Atherosclerosis
Articles in Press
Received: March 14, 2014; Accepted: March 14, 2014; Published Online: May 21, 2014
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2014.03.038
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3) FA are reported to be protective against cardiovascular disease (CVD), notably through their beneficial action on atherosclerosis development. In this context dietary intake of long-chain marine eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is recommended and randomized trials largely support that EPA and DHA intake is associated with a reduction of CVD. However, mechanisms governing the atheroprotective action of n-3 FA are still unclear and numerous studies using mouse models conducted so far do not allow to reach a precise view of the cellular and molecular effects of n-3 FA on atherosclerosis. In the current issue of Atherosclerosis, Chang et al. provide important new information on the anti-atherogenic properties of n-3 FA by analyzing the incremental replacement of saturated FA by pure fish oil as a source of EPA and DHA in Ldlr-/- mice fed a high-fat / high cholesterol diet.