Fish Oil Inhibits Atherosclerosis

AARHUS, Denmark--A diet including omega-3-rich fish oil had anti-atherosclerotic effects in low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDLR) mice, according to a study in Atherosclerosis (184, 1:78-85, 2006).

Researchers from Skejby University Hospital and the Danish Institute for Food and Veterinary Research in Denmark, and G. dAnnunzio University and the CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche) Institute of Clinical Physiology in Italy administered a 1-percent fish oil diet (high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids) or a 1-percent corn oil diet (high in omega-6 fatty acids) to 63 LDLR mice and 69 mice deficient in apolipoprotein (apoE). Although neither corn oil nor fish oil had any significant impact on plasma lipids or atherosclerosis in apoE mice, both groups had lower levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as less atherosclerosis in the aortic root and in the entire aorta. Atherosclerosis was significantly reduced in the fish oil group compared with the corn oil group when evaluated en face (staining method) in the aortic arch (top portion of aortia). The researchers concluded omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation retarded the development of atherosclerosis in LDLR mice, with a stronger effect seen with omega-3 PUFA.