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 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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Icosapent ethyl reduces cardiovascular eventsEffects of icosapent ethyl according to baseline residual risk in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: results from REDUCE-IT.
Study focused on cardiovascular outcomes
We aimed to explore the impact of icosapent ethyl on major cardiovascular events, particularly in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In a robust trial involving nearly 6,000 participants, we carefully monitored the effects of this treatment over a median duration of 4.8 years.
Icosapent ethyl, a form of omega-3 fatty acid, demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including non-fatal heart attacks and strokes. Our findings highlighted that the treatment was beneficial across different levels of baseline cardiovascular risk.
We observed that patients at the highest risk experienced the most considerable absolute benefits, making the treatment particularly valuable for them. Although the absolute risk reduction increased with higher baseline risk, it consistently showed efficacy for all participants suffering from elevated triglycerides.
In conclusion, our study suggests that icosapent ethyl is an effective option for reducing cardiovascular risks in patients dealing with atherosclerosis, regardless of their initial risk level.
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Eicosapentaenoic 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.
Involves both acids; limited isolation
We analyzed how eicosapentaenoic acid, along with docosahexaenoic acid, influences the progression of coronary fatty plaque in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Over a period of 30 months, 240 participants were divided into two groups; one received a daily supplement of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, while the other received no treatment. This setup allowed us to compare the effects on plaque regression and cardiac events between both groups.
Our findings revealed that participants who experienced a reduction in triglyceride levels—averaging a 14.9% decrease—also showed a notable regression of fatty plaque. Moreover, patients who saw plaque regression enjoyed significantly fewer cardiac events compared to those whose plaque progressed, with 5% reporting events against 22.3% in the other group.
We identified key predictors for plaque regression, which included having a systolic blood pressure below 125 mm Hg and a non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level below 2.59 mmol/L. Interestingly, normotensive patients (those with normal blood pressure) benefitted more from the treatment, seeing both a reduction in plaque and inflammation compared to those with hypertension, who showed no significant changes.
Overall, our study sheds light on how eicosapentaenoic acid may contribute to improved heart health, particularly among individuals with specific blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It opens the door for further research on how managing inflammation could enhance plaque regression in patients with coronary artery disease.
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