Medical Researches
Questionable
Based on 28 Researches
DHA stabilizes arterial plaquesInjectable liposomal docosahexaenoic acid alleviates atherosclerosis progression and enhances plaque stability.
Highly relevant to atherosclerosis treatment
We embarked on a quest to understand how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, can impact atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits clog the arteries. Our focus was on a specially developed injectable formulation that delivers DHA directly to the site of arterial plaques.
Through our research, we discovered that this liposomal DHA formulation not only protects the compound but also enhances its effectiveness. When we administered it intravenously, DHA particles were specifically absorbed by macrophages—immune cells involved in the inflammation seen in atherosclerosis. This targeted delivery helps reduce inflammation and prevents the formation of foam cells, which are a hallmark of atherosclerotic plaques.
Furthermore, our analysis of the plaques revealed that the DHA treatment led to less macrophage infiltration and reduced lipid build-up, which improves overall plaque stability. In simpler terms, we observed that the treatment makes plaques less likely to rupture, which is critical in preventing serious cardiovascular problems. Additionally, sophisticated imaging techniques showed that DHA can help restore some of the healthy lipid profiles typical of earlier stages of plaque development.
In summary, using injectable DHA offers exciting potential for stabilizing arterial plaques and slowing down the progression of atherosclerosis. Given the importance of addressing this condition, our findings could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies to reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
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We explored how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, affects arteriosclerosis, specifically by examining its active metabolite, 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EEQ). Our investigation revealed that 17,18-EEQ has the power to inhibit inflammation and endothelial activation, which are key factors in the development of atherosclerosis.
We found that this metabolite works through its interaction with a specific receptor, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1), in endothelial cells. In our study, when using male mice that lacked S1PR1, the protective effects of both 17,18-EEQ and purified EPA were noticeably absent. This emphasizes the importance of S1PR1 in mediating the benefits of EPA.
Mechanistically, we discovered that 17,18-EEQ promotes the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which is vital for maintaining healthy blood vessels. This activation relies on a signaling pathway involving calcium release. We also noted that a prescription drug containing purified EPA, called Vascepa, exhibited cardiovascular benefits through this 17,18-EEQ-S1PR1 pathway.
Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of EPA and its metabolites as valuable tools in combating atherosclerosis, which could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies aimed at improving cardiovascular health.
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Icosapent ethyl improves heart functionBenefit of icosapent ethyl on coronary physiology assessed by computed tomography angiography fractional flow reserve: EVAPORATE-FFRCT.
Relevant to arteriosclerosis research
We explored the effects of Icosapent ethyl (IPE) on coronary physiology, particularly in the context of arteriosclerosis. This investigation was part of a larger trial known as EVAPORATE, which had previously shown that IPE significantly reduced plaque buildup in patients already on statin therapy. Our study utilized advanced imaging techniques through coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) to evaluate the changes in blood flow and artery function after treatment with IPE compared to a placebo.
With 47 patients and 507 coronary lesions assessed at various intervals over 18 months, we measured the fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) in the most diseased artery of each participant. Interestingly, while the initial FFRCT values were similar between those receiving IPE and placebo, significant improvements were noted at the 9- and 18-month follow-ups for the IPE group.
These findings indicate that Icosapent ethyl not only reduces plaque but also improves coronary blood flow over time. Such benefits lend credence to the findings from the REDUCE-IT trial, where IPE was associated with lower ischemic events, including heart attacks. Our investigation paves the way for understanding the underlying mechanisms of IPE’s positive effects on heart health.
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DHA's role in lipid metabolismUnexpected omega-3 activities in intracellular lipolysis and macrophage foaming revealed by fluorescence lifetime imaging.
Significant findings on DHA effects
We investigated how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, influences the metabolism of fats within our cells and its potential role in fighting arteriosclerosis. Our focus was on understanding DHA's effects on lipid droplets, which store fat, and macrophage transformations into foam cells—processes that contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Through advanced imaging techniques that allowed us to monitor lipid metabolism in real-time, we observed that DHA stood out among other omega-3 fatty acids. It actively promoted lipolysis, which is the breakdown of fats stored in lipid droplets. Remarkably, we noted a significant reduction in overall fat content, down by about 50%. This reduction also helped prevent the transformation of macrophages into foam cells, a critical step in the development of atherosclerosis.
Interestingly, we found that eicosapentaenoic acid (another omega-3 present in fish oil) seemed to counteract the positive effects of DHA on fat breakdown and foam cell prevention. Thus, while DHA demonstrates a promising ability to support cardiovascular health by impacting intracellular fat metabolism and reducing inflammation, further research is needed to validate these findings in live models.
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Docosahexaenoic acid aids plaque regressionRegression of Coronary Fatty Plaque and Risk of Cardiac Events According to Blood Pressure Status: Data From a Randomized Trial of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.
Moderate relevance; effectiveness noted
We explored the impact of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), combined with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), on coronary artery disease, particularly how it influences the regression of fatty plaques in blood vessels. The study involved 240 patients over a period of 30 months, with participants receiving either the DHA and EPA combination or no treatment at all.
By measuring changes in coronary plaques using advanced imaging, we found that a reduction in triglyceride levels was closely linked to the regression of noncalcified plaque among those not experiencing high blood pressure. Specifically, the results indicated that those with normal blood pressure levels achieved a significant reduction in both coronary plaque and inflammation markers.
However, patients who were hypertensive did not show any changes in plaque or inflammatory levels, highlighting a noteworthy difference in the effectiveness of DHA treatment based on blood pressure status. Moreover, individuals who experienced plaque regression had a significantly lower risk of cardiac events compared to those whose plaques progressed.
Overall, our findings suggest that while DHA shows promise in supporting healthier arterial function, especially in normotensive individuals, the benefits may be less pronounced for those with hypertension. This calls for further investigation into the role of inflammation and blood pressure in fatty plaque management.
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