Effects of omega-3 supplementation on endothelial dysfunction in humans: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of omega-3 supplementation on endothelial dysfunction in humans, considering the lipid profile, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. Methods: The search for the articles was carried out on the bases PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Science, following the recommendations for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis of PRISMA. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database. After the process of searching and applying the inclusion criteria, 17 articles were selected. Results: The most pronounced effect of omega-3 supplementation was on reductions in triglycerides, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 6, pulse wave velocity and increased dilation mediated by the flow of the brachial artery. There were no significant changes in oxidative stress biomarkers and overall nutritional status. Final considerations: Evidence of benefits of omega-3 in improving dyslipidemia, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction; new intervention research is needed to better elucidate the role of this nutrient in the studied parameters, in addition to establishing effective doses, composition and intervention time for application in clinical practice.

A Preliminary Study on Hepatoprotective, Hypolipidemic and Aortic Morphometric Effects of Omega-3-Rich Fish Oil in Hypercholesterolemic Mice

“…Nunzio and Bordini [ 18 ] verified the differences between polyunsaturated fatty acids in human hepatoma cells and observed that cells supplemented with DHA obtained a better antioxidant defense with SOD, GSH and GPx markers than those supplemented with EPA. However, it is still necessary to understand the effects of these nutrients in pathological conditions such as dyslipidemia [ 19 ].…”