Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1
pubmed:dateCreated
2008-2-25
pubmed:abstractText
The most common omega-3 fatty acids contain 18-22 carbons and a signature double bond at the third position from the methyl (or n, or omega) end of the molecule. These fatty acids must be obtained in the diet as they cannot be synthesized by vertebrates. They include the plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3), and the fish-oil-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3). Normally, very little ALA is converted to EPA, and even less to DHA, and therefore direct intake of the latter two is optimal. EPA and DHA and their metabolites have important biologic functions, including effects on membranes, eicosanoid metabolism, and gene transcription. Studies indicate that the use of fish oil is associated with coronary heart disease risk reduction. A number of mechanisms may be responsible for such effects. These include prevention of arrhythmias as well as lowering heart rate and blood pressure, decreasing platelet aggregation, and lowering triglyceride levels. The latter is accomplished by decreasing the production of hepatic triglycerides and increasing the clearance of plasma triglycerides. Our focus is to review the potential mechanisms by which these fatty acids reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Mar
pubmed:issn
1879-1484
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Electronic
pubmed:volume
197
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
12-24
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2008
pubmed:articleTitle
Omega-3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease risk: clinical and mechanistic perspectives.
pubmed:affiliation
Nutrition and Metabolic Disease Research, Sanford Research/USD, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA. Bill.Harris@usd.edu
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review