Omega-3 Fatty Acids

PRESCRIPTION OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS AND THEIR LIPID EFFECTS: PHYSIOLOGIC MECHANISMS OF ACTION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Posted 06/11/2008

Harold E Bays; Ann P Tighe; Richard Sadovsky; Michael H Davidson
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/573460

Hypertriglyceridemia is a risk factor for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease. Very high triglyceride (TG) levels (≥500 mg/dl [5.65 mmol/l]) increase the risk of pancreatitis. One therapeutic option to lower TG levels is omega-3 fatty acids, which are derived from the oil of fish and other seafood. The American Heart Association has acknowledged that fish oils may decrease dysrhythmias, decrease sudden death, decrease the rate of atherosclerosis and slightly lower blood pressure, and has recommended fish consumption or fish oil supplementation as a therapeutic strategy to reduce cardiovascular disease. A prescription omega-3-acid ethyl esters (P-OM3) preparation has been available in many European nations for at least a decade, and was approved by the US FDA in 2004 to reduce very high TG levels (≥500 mg/dl [5.65 mmol/l]). Mechanistically, most evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the synthesis and secretion of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles, and increase TG removal from VLDL and chylomicron particles through the upregulation of enzymes, such as lipoprotein lipase. Omega-3 fatty acids differ mechanistically from other lipid-altering drugs, which helps to explain why therapies such as P-OM3 have complementary mechanisms of action and, thus, complementary lipid benefits when administered with statins. Additional human studies are needed to define more clearly the cellular and molecular basis for the TG-lowering effects of omega-3 fatty acids and their favorable cardiovascular effects, particularly in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

 We were told that the fish oil is good for our health as it reduces the level of lipid in our blood so as to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. We were recommended to eat fish and avoid high fat meal. Now there were more evidence of fish oil effects on hypertriglyceridemia though we still need more human studies to define its clear mechanism.

Prevention is always better than cure. Do not wait until you got hypertriglyceridemia (high level of triglyceride in your blood) that you seek the treatment or start taking fish oil. Isn’t it more cost-effective just to eat healthy food like fish, vegetables and fruits than taking medicine?