Heart: omega 3 helps keep it healthy and strong

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce molecules related to coronary heart disease risk. In patients with angina, a syndrome characterized by a brief reduction in blood flow to the heart, Omega-3 supplements decrease the mass and activity of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), a substance involved in the origin and progression of atherosclerosis.

This is the finding of researchers at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. The study, published in the journal Nutrition Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, helps clarify the mechanisms by which Omega-3s may limit the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Mechanisms of action yet to be further investigated

Consumption of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in adequate amounts, along with proper lifestyle, is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. According to current recommendations, healthy people should take 250-500 mg per day of Omega-3, while individuals with heart disease should consume 800-1000 mg. Although not all the mechanisms underlying the observed benefits have been defined, these fatty acids, found mainly in fish, have various biological effects. They are structural components of the cell membrane, are involved in the production of immune system molecules, and regulate the expression of some of genes. These are all actions that can be linked to the reduction of cardiovascular disease related to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis consists of the formation of plaques (atherosclerotic plaques) on the walls of the arteries. They are initially formed by lipids, including cholesterol, then become larger and larger and composed of fibrous substances, finally calcifying causing hardening and loss of elasticity of the blood vessel and its restriction.

A study of patients at risk

The study involved 54 people, suffering from coronary artery disease with stable symptoms over time, who had undergone angioplasty, which is a medical technique to dilate the narrowing of a blood vessel and restore circulation to the heart. Some patients received a daily supplement containing 1 gram of Omega-3 for one month, others a placebo. Analysis of typical coronary artery disease molecules were evaluated in all subjects after 3, 5 and 30 days of treatment. The results showed that Omega-3 administration had reduced the mass of Lp-PLA2 by 10.7%, and its activity by 9.3% . In addition, oxidized LDL cholesterol, also involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, had decreased. In contrast, no changes were visible in the placebo group. In none of the patients did the amount of inflammatory molecules seem to change.

Omega-3 administration may reduce Lp-PLA2 in patients with stable angina 

The results showed that in individuals with coronary artery disease, Omega-3 supplements, in appropriate doses, are effective in reducing levels of molecules associated with the development of plaque in the arteries. Decreased is primarily the inflammatory enzyme Lp-PLA2 produced by macrophages, the cells of the immune system that can accumulate in blood vessels contributing to atherosclerotic plaque formation. Reduction of the inflammatory response by macrophages could therefore contribute to the benefits derived from Omega-3 fatty acids. 

Source: Grzegorz Gajos, Jaroslaw Zalewski, Magdalena Mostowik, Ewa Konduracka, Jadwiga Nessler, Anetta Undas, Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids reduce lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 in patients with stable angina, Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, Volume 24, Issue 4, April 2014, Pages 434-439, ISSN 0939-4753.