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Review
. 2007 Nov-Dec;77(5-6):319-26.
doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2007.10.014. Epub 2007 Dec 3.

n-3 Fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: actions and molecular mechanisms

C Torrejon  1 , U J Jung, R J Deckelbaum
Affiliations
Review

n-3 Fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: actions and molecular mechanisms

C Torrejon et al. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2007 Nov-Dec.

Erratum in

  • Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2008 Feb;78(2):157

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Epidemiological studies and randomized control intervention trials have reported that n-3 fatty acids reduce cardiovascular events. A variety of biologic and molecular effects of n-3 fatty acids can modulate the mechanisms of development and progression of atherosclerosis. These include n-3 fatty acid effects on inflammation, cardiac excitability, platelet function, triglyceride blood levels, blood pressure and the stability of atheroma plaques. The molecular mechanisms are still not fully defined; but might involve changes in membrane fluidity, receptor responses and binding to intracellular receptors regulating gene transcription. Understanding and elucidating these mechanisms is important to development of future strategies for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Different mechanisms by which n-3 FA can potentially modulate atherosclerosis. Pathways marked by an asterisk (*) are likely targets for n-3 FA regulation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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