Highlights
- •The relevance of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for the cardiovascular system is under the spotlight.
- •We overviewed the effects of omega-3 PUFA on vascular function and blood pressure (BP).
- •Multiple mechanisms account for the anti-atherogenic properties of omega-3 PUFA.
- •Omega-3 PUFA decrease the BP in hypertensive subjects.
- •The current evidence supporting the role of omega-3 PUFA in cardiovascular prevention is weak.
Abstract
Aims
To overview the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on blood vessels
and blood pressure (BP) and their relevance for cardiovascular prevention.
Data synthesis
The importance of omega-3 PUFA for the cardiovascular system has come under the spotlight
during the last decades. These fatty acids are present in variable amounts in cell
membranes of mammal species, and their content affects a variety of cellular functions.
Evidence obtained in animal and human studies suggests that omega-3 PUFA affect many
steps of the atherosclerotic process. In blood vessels, omega-3 PUFA improve endothelial
function; promote vasodilatation through relaxation of smooth muscle cells; exert
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic actions; delay development of plaques
and increase their stability; and decrease wall stiffening. Omega-3 PUFA might affect
BP, and studies conducted with ambulatory monitoring suggest that supplementation
with these fatty acids decreases the average 24-h BP levels. This effect on BP is
related to the pretreatment membrane content of omega-3 PUFA, and this might explain
some inconsistencies among intervention trials. Meta-analyses indicate that omega-3
PUFA have a mild but significant BP lowering effect. While encouraging results were
initially obtained with the use of omega-3 PUFA supplements in secondary prevention
trials, meta-analyses have not confirmed the ability of these fatty acids to decrease
the risk of coronary heart and cerebrovascular disease.
Conclusions
Omega-3 PUFA are associated with significant improvement in vascular function and
lowering of BP. However, the evidence currently supporting the role of these fatty
acids in cardiovascular prevention is weak and needs further investigation.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 27, 2016
Accepted:
July 18,
2016
Received in revised form:
June 25,
2016
Received:
April 11,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2016 The Italian Society of Diabetology, the Italian Society for the Study of Atherosclerosis, the Italian Society of Human Nutrition, and the Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
