Novel Approaches for Omega-3 Fatty Acid Therapeutics: Chronic Versus Acute Administration to Protect Heart, Brain, and Spinal Cord
Hylde Zirpoli, Chuchun L. Chang, Yvon Carpentier, Adina T. Michael‐Titus, Vadim S. Ten, Richard J. Deckelbaum
Abstract
This article reviews novel approaches for omega-3 fatty acid (FA) therapeutics and the linked molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. In vitro and in vivo research studies indicate that omega-3 FAs affect synergic mechanisms that include modulation of cell membrane fluidity, regulation of intracellular signaling pathways, and production of bioactive mediators. We compare how chronic and acute treatments with omega-3 FAs differentially trigger pathways of protection in heart, brain, and spinal cord injuries. We also summarize recent omega-3 FA randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses and discuss possible reasons for controversial results, with suggestions on improving the study design for future clinical trials. Acute treatment with omega-3 FAs offers a novel approach for preserving cardiac and neurological functions, and the combinations of acute treatment with chronic administration of omega-3 FAs might represent an additional therapeutic strategy for ameliorating adverse cardiovascular and CNS outcomes.