The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of n-3 PUFAs: Their Role in Cardiovascular Protection

Abstract

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 18, 20 or 22 carbon atoms, which have been found able to counteract cardiovascular diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, have been found to produce both vaso- and cardio-protective response via modulation of membrane phospholipids thereby improving cardiac mitochondrial functions and energy production. However, antioxidant properties of n-3 PUFAs, along with their anti-inflammatory effect in both blood vessels and cardiac cells, seem to exert beneficial effects in cardiovascular impairment. In fact, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress-related mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial cell apoptosis, an effect occurring via an increased activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand, n-3 PUFAs have been shown to counteract the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both vascular tissues and in the myocardium, thereby restoring vascular reactivity and myocardial performance. Here we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFAs in vascular and cardiac tissues and their implication in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.

Effects of High Levels of Dietary Linseed Oil on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Hepatic Lipid Metabolism, and Expression of Inflammatory Genes in Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

“…ALA has been confirmed to increase mitochondrial DNA methylation in the liver, which can induce oxidative stress in fish ( Liao et al, 2015 ). Meanwhile, EPA and DHA have been confirmed to relieve oxidative stress-related mitochondrial dysfunction and can improve activities of type II detoxifying enzymes ( Oppedisano et al, 2020 ). According to these studies, the decrease of antioxidant capacity in L. crocea could be due to the increased content of ALA and the decreased contents of EPA and DHA in the 100% LO diet.…”

Molecular Mechanisms of Obesity-Linked Cardiac Dysfunction: An Up-Date on Current Knowledge

“…In particular, a large amount of clinical data showed the protective effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids in CVD. Therefore, linoleic acid (LA, 18: 2, omega-6) and linolenic acid (ALA,18:3, omega-3), called essential fatty acids, must be included in the diet [ 153 ]. ALA in combination with pirfenidone has shown an enhanced antioxidant effect [ 154 ].…”

Potential of Nutraceutical Supplementation in the Modulation of White and Brown Fat Tissues in Obesity-Associated Disorders: Role of Inflammatory Signalling

“…EPA and DHA exert their activity through a PPARα/γ agonism and inhibition of NF-κB binding activity, suggesting a direct mechanism of n -3 PUFAs in the regulation of target genes and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, n -3 PUFAs can activate PPARα thereby increasing expression of fatty acid oxidation genes and resulting in a reduction in hepatic and plasma triglycerides [ 92 , 93 ]. Another mechanism by which EPA and DHA stimulate fatty acid oxidation is through AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activation in adipose tissue and cultured adipocytes [ 94 ].…”