We examined how cod liver oil might influence cardiovascular disease, particularly in relation to atherogenesis and thrombogenesis. Previous observations suggested that eating marine fish can lower the risk of ischemic heart disease. However, the universal recommendation for fish oil as a supplement remains uncertain due to potential side effects associated with high dosages.
Our research revealed that while fish oil lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels, it can also increase levels of low-density lipoprotein, which raises concerns about free radical generation and bleeding. Interestingly, moderate intake of marine fish has shown protective effects against heart disease without significantly changing traditional measurements like cholesterol levels or blood clotting times.
In a controlled study with swine, we noted that adding cod liver oil to a high-fat diet resulted in fewer monocyte adhesions and platelet clumps in critical heart arteries, suggesting that it plays a role in reducing clotting risks. To delve deeper into the mechanisms, we conducted an in vitro experiment where we treated endothelial cells with varying fatty acids.
Among these, only eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) stood out in diminishing the binding of human monocytes to the endothelial cells, especially when applied within a specific timeframe after stimulation. Moreover, we found that EPA decreased the expression of certain adhesion molecules on endothelial cells following inflammatory stimulation.
Overall, our findings suggest that cod liver oil could be a potentially valuable addition to heart health strategies, particularly due to its unique ability to influence blood vessel interactions without significant adverse effects.
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