The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of n-3 PUFAs: Their Role in Cardiovascular Protection

• Main Authors: Francesca Oppedisano, Roberta Macrì, Micaela Gliozzi, Vincenzo Musolino, Cristina Carresi, Jessica Maiuolo, Francesca Bosco, Saverio Nucera, Maria Caterina Zito, Lorenza Guarnieri, Federica Scarano, Caterina Nicita, Anna Rita Coppoletta, Stefano Ruga, Miriam Scicchitano, Rocco Mollace, Ernesto Palma, Vincenzo Mollace
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
• Series: Biomedicines
• Subjects: n-3 PUFAs; oxidative stress; endogenous antioxidants; anti-inflammatory response; cardiovascular diseases
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/8/9/306

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with 18, 20 or 22 carbon atoms, which have been found able to counteract cardiovascular diseases. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, have been found to produce both vaso- and cardio-protective response via modulation of membrane phospholipids thereby improving cardiac mitochondrial functions and energy production. However, antioxidant properties of n-3 PUFAs, along with their anti-inflammatory effect in both blood vessels and cardiac cells, seem to exert beneficial effects in cardiovascular impairment. In fact, dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs has been demonstrated to reduce oxidative stress-related mitochondrial dysfunction and endothelial cell apoptosis, an effect occurring via an increased activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. On the other hand, n-3 PUFAs have been shown to counteract the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both vascular tissues and in the myocardium, thereby restoring vascular reactivity and myocardial performance. Here we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of n-3 PUFAs in vascular and cardiac tissues and their implication in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.