Multiple factors cause atherosclerosis, meaning its pathogenesis is complex, and
has not been fully elucidated. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are a member of the
fatty acid family, which are critical nutrients for mammalian growth and
development. The types of polyunsaturated fatty acids ingested, their serum
levels, and fatty acid desaturase can influence the atherosclerotic disease
progression. The fatty acid desaturase gene cluster can regulate fatty acid
desaturase activity and further affect atherosclerosis. This study reviewed the
research progress on the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on
atherosclerosis regulated by fatty acid desaturase and the relationship between
genetic variants of the fatty acid desaturase gene cluster and atherosclerotic
cardiovascular disease.