ABSTRACT
The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) have captured the imagination of scientists and the general public. Results from case-control studies, clinical trials, and case studies showed that oils rich in n-3 PUFA play a beneficial role in the neuropsychiatrie conditions. Acute clinical disorders of the cardiovascular system are caused mainly by formation of thrombosis. Arterial thrombosis plays a major role in the transition from stable to acute ischemic heart and cerebral diseases, manifested by unstable angina, acute thrombotic infarction, and sudden death. A major catabolic pathway for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) metabolism is β-oxidation, resulting in the production of ATP and carbon dioxide. The mechanisms whereby EPA could prevent coronary heart disease include reduction of blood pressure, reduction in the levels of plasma/serum triacylglycerol and lipoprotein lipids, antithrombotic and fibrinolytic activities, antiarrhythmia, anti-inflammatory and anti-immunity actions, and blood vessel functions. Studies from humans, animals, and cell cultures showed that EPA improves vascular endothelial function through different mechanisms.
