Table 2 Actions of PUFAs (especially of ω-3 fatty acids) that account for their beneficial actions in inflammation, atherosclerosis, hypertension, hyperlipidemias, type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease.
Target | Effect |
|---|---|
Plasma triglyceride concentration-fasting and post-prandial | ↓↓ |
Plasma cholesterol | ↓↔ |
HDL cholesterol | ↑↔ |
LDL cholesterol | ↓↔ |
Blood pressure | ↓ |
Diuretic-like action | ↑ |
Endothelial production of NO | ↑ |
ACE activity | ↓ |
HMG-CoA activity | ↓ |
Platelet aggregation | ↓ |
Leukocyte activation | ↓ |
Cardiac arrhythmias | ↓ |
Heart rate variability | ↑ |
Production of lipoxins and resolvins | ↑ |
Formation of lipid peroxides | ↓ |
Production of PGI2, PGI3, PGE1 | ↑ |
Production of TXA2, LTs | ↓ |
Synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and MIF | ↓ |
Production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 | ↑ |
Insulin sensitivity | ↑ |
Endothelial integrity | ↑ |
Telomere length | ↑ |
Parasympathetic tone | ↑ |
Sympathetic tone | ↓ |