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Cardioprotective Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Through the Regulation of Lipid Metabolism

  • Chapter
Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is ranked as the number one cause of death worldwide. The causes of CVD are defined by interplay between genetics and environmental factors; this contributes to the complexity of the pathophysiology of CVD. In spite of the advancement in medical science and drug discovery, the prevalence of CVD is still on the rise. The most important environmental factor in the pathogenesis of CVD is nutrition, especially the role of dietary fats. There are numerous reports supporting the cardioprotective effects of omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); however, there are also controversial reports. Given the complexity and physiological variation of the human population, it is pertinent to consider the various factors that could potentially affect the metabolism and hence the health benefits of n-3 PUFA before a strong recommendation can be made. The focus of this chapter is on the cardioprotective effects of n-3 PUFA, with particular emphasis on the regulation of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, and factors such as age, sex and epigenetic modification that could potentially affect the health benefits of n-3 PUFA. This chapter also summarizes the emerging paradigm of the connection between CVD and neuropsychiatric disorders; it presents the propensity of n-3 PUFA to facilitate a therapeutic connection between these two diseases through a common pathway of neurotrophin signalling.

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  1. Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University, St. John’s, NL, A1B3X9, Canada

    Kayode A. Balogun PhD & Sukhinder K. Cheema PhD

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  1. Kayode A. Balogun PhD
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  2. Sukhinder K. Cheema PhD
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Correspondence to Sukhinder K. Cheema PhD .

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    Gowraganahalli Jagadeesh

  2. Pharmacology Unit, AIMST University, Bedong, Malaysia

    Pitchai Balakumar

  3. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research Division of Cardiovascular and Renal Products, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

    Khin Maung-U

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Balogun, K.A., Cheema, S.K. (2015). Cardioprotective Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Through the Regulation of Lipid Metabolism. In: Jagadeesh, G., Balakumar, P., Maung-U, K. (eds) Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapy of Cardiovascular Disease. Adis, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15961-4_27

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