engleski

Anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are divided into two groups of n‐3 (α‐linolenic fatty acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) and n‐6 (linoleic fatty acid (LA) and arachidonic fatty acid (AA)) acids. ALA and linoleic acid are two essential fatty acids ALA is found in seeds (chia, flaxseed, hemp) nuts (e.g. walnuts), many common vegetable oils and fish. ALA does not usually accumulate in cellular/tissue lipids/phospholipids even when ingested at relatively high dietary levels, because it undergoes beta oxidation in the mitochondria and only a limited amount is available for the very limited conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA. Nevertheless, in observational studies, higher ALA exposure was associated with a moderately lower risk of cardiovascular diseases. ALA, EPA, and DHA are especially important for good condition of heart and blood vessels, as well as for the prevention of diabetes, in metabolic syndrome, and certain types of cancer. n-3 PUFAs have anti‐inflammatory, hypolipidemic and antithrombotic properties, may decrease the pro‐inflammatory action of adiponectin and slow down the development of atherosclerosis. Moreover, they also have a beneficial effect on digestion, improve the immune system, and reduce occurrence of allergic diseases. AA replacement by EPA or DHA results in reduced/inhibited production of pro‐inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and lipoxins. The anti‐inflammatory effects of n‐3 PUFAs via reduced production of pro‐inflammatory mediators include reduced/inhibited leukocyte chemotaxis, reduced adhesion molecule expression, and leukocyte‐endothelial interactions. In addition, among the products of omega‐3 fatty acid metabolism are the resolvins, maresins, and protectins which have unreplaceable role in the reduction of inflammation. Control of environmental risks factors, good maintenance of the occurring diseases and balanced nutrition can significantly improve the metabolism and decrease risks for development of cardiometabolic diseases with low-grade inflammation in the background.

n-3 PUFAs, alpha-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, inflammation

Radi je dio aktivnosti ZCI za personaliziranu brigu o zdravlju- This work is supported by the European Structural and Investment Funds grant for the Croatian National Scientific Center of Excellence for Personalized Health Care, University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer Osijek (grant #KK.01.1.1.01.0010).