Protective role of n6/n3 PUFA supplementation with varying DHA/EPA ratios against atherosclerosis in mice

The effects of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on cardiovascular disease are controversial. We currently explored the effects of various ratios of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on high-fat-induced atherosclerosis. In model apoE−/− mice, high-fat diets (HFD) were partially replaced with fish and algal oils (DHA/EPA 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2) and/or plant oils enriched in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids with an n6/n3 ratio of 4:1. PUFA supplementation significantly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque area, serum lipid profile, inflammatory response, aortic ROS production, pro-inflammatory factors, and scavenger receptor expression as compared to those in the HFD group.

Source: The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry - March 20, 2016 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Liang Liu, Qinling Hu, Huihui Wu, Yihong Xue, Liang Cai, Min Fang, Zhiguo Liu, Ping Yao, Yongning Wu, Zhiyong Gong Source Type: research