A new study suggests that a receptor regulated by theTaking omega-3 fatty acidsactivated, can prevent arteriosclerosis. According to the study authors, this plays a crucial role in protecting against inflammation of the blood vessels. In addition, the discovery could pave the way for new strategies to treat and prevent cardiovascular disease using omega-3 fatty acids.
How healthy fats prevent arteriosclerosis
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide and therefore represent a serious public health problem. Atherosclerotic heart disease is therefore associated with chronic inflammation of the blood vessels. The body normally controls such inflammation through signals known as resolvins. Resolvins are specialized pro-resolving mediators derived from omega-3 fatty acids. This mainly involves eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid as well as docosapentaenoic acid and clupanodonic acid. These turn off inflammation and stimulate tissue healing and repair through a process called inflammation resolution. Resolvins bind to and activate a receptor called GPR32. In addition, the research team discovered that this receptor is incorrectly regulated in atherosclerosis. This accordingly indicated a disruption in the body's natural healing processes.
According to the scientists, the new study results provide potential treatment strategies that could help prevent some risk factors for atherosclerosis. This would be possible because the administration of omega-3 fatty acids inhibits the inflammation of the blood vessels, but also activates the body's healing processes. The present research shows that signal transmission via the receptor actively stops inflammation in atherosclerotic blood vessels and stimulates healing. In this regard, the authors examined atherosclerotic plaques and developed a new experimental model with an overexpressed GPR32 receptor. The GPR32 receptor was able to prevent arteriosclerosis and prevent inflammation in the blood vessels. In addition, resolvins activated this receptor and increased its effect. Now the authors willthis studyinvestigate the mechanisms behind the failed treatment of inflammation in the blood vessels. This should make it clear how omega-3-mediated body signals can be used to treat atherosclerosis.
