engleski

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in functional food may be protective for cardiovascular health

Introduction: Modern Western diet has been characterized by increased intake of saturated fats and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and low intake of omega-3 PUFA. This change in dietary habits has been accompanied with increased prevalence of cardiometabolic and other diseaseswith inflammatory processes underlying their pathophysiological mechanisms (such as inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune diseases, obesity). Eicosanoids have an important role in mediating vascular reactivity to various stimuli in health and disease, thus changing tissue blood flow and tissue supply. Omega-3 PUFAs have protective role in cardiovascular system, supposedly due to the changes in eicosanoids production/metabolism. Thus, present study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 enriched eggs dietary intake on vascular function and blood inflammatory markers in healthy people. Methods: Double-blinded prospective studywas performed in 36 volunteers of both sexes, divided in 2 groups-regular eggs (R) and omega-3 eggs (O). Functional vascular study (postoclussion reactive hyperaemia (PORH) response in skin microcirculation) was performed by Laser Doppler Flowmetry, together with laboratory blood tests (lipidogram, hsCRP). Participants gave written informed consent. The Ethical Committee of Faculty of Medicine approved the study (# R2:19326-7/2016, Date:November 28, 2016). Results: PORH was improved in O group in subjects of both sexes. hsCRP concentration was decreased, as well as triglycerides (TG) concentration in O group compared to R group, both sexes. TG and hsCRP was significantly improved only in female participants of O group. Discussion: The results of present study suggest that omega-3 enriched diet has protective effect on cardiovascular function by reducing inflammatory markers and improving vascular function. Conclusion:Consumption of functional food may be a promising natural venue in reducing low-grade inflammation presented in various cardiometabolic diseases. Hypothetical protective effect is altered metabolism of lipid precursors of proinflammatory or vasoactive metabolites important in vascular reactivity, together with change in activation of immunological system, which require further investigation.

polyunsaturated fatty acids, laser Doppler flowmetry, inflammation, microcirculation, hsCRP

Acknowledgements: The work is supported by grant to Scientific Centre of Excellence for Personalized health care, University of Osijek, Croatia The Ethical Committee of Faculty of Medicine approved the study (# R2:19326-7/2016, Date:November 28, 2016). Thank you for Cedars Sinai Medical Center’s International Research and Innovation in Medicine Program, the Association for Regional Cooperation in the Fields of Health, Science and Technology (RECOOP HST Association) for their support of our organization as participating Cedars – Sinai Medical Center - RECOOP Research Centers (CRRC).