Via practica 12/2009

The Importance of Omega – 3 Fatty Acids in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia

Beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA are probably mediated by their antiarrhythmic, lipid lowering, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mechanisms to explain the hypotriglyceridemic effects of n-3 PUFA acids in humans have not been clarified completely. Anticipated is effect at the gene transcriptional level, which involves at least 4 metabolic nuclear receptors (liver X receptor, hepatocyte nuclear factor – 4 α, farnesol X receptor and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). The triglyceride-lowering doses of n-3 PUFA are 3 – 4 grams daily. This dose typically reduces triglycerides levels by 30 – 40%.

Keywords: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, n-3 PUFA, lipid lowering drugs, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia.