Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Structural and Functional Effects on the Vascular Wall

Abstract EN

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) consumption is associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk.

Increasing evidence demonstrating a beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA on arterial wall properties is progressively emerging.

We reviewed the recent available evidence for the cardiovascular effects of n-3 PUFA focusing on structural and functional properties of the vascular wall.

In experimental studies and clinical trials n-3 PUFA have shown the ability to improve arterial hemodynamics by reducing arterial stiffness, thus explaining some of its cardioprotective properties.

Recent studies suggest beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on endothelial activation, which are likely to improve vascular function.

Several molecular, cellular, and physiological pathways influenced by n-3 PUFA can affect arterial wall properties and therefore interfere with the atherosclerotic process.

Although the relative weight of different physiological and molecular mechanisms and the dose-response on arterial wall properties have yet to be determined, n-3 PUFA have the potential to beneficially impact arterial wall remodeling and cardiovascular outcomes by targeting arterial wall stiffening and endothelial dysfunction.