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Polyunsaturated fatty acids and their effects on cardiovascular disease
BP Ander | CMC Dupasquier | MA Prociuk | GN Pierce
Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) affect a wide variety of
physiological processes. Much attention has been given to the n-3
PUFAs and their role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular
disease, stemming from evidence obtained through a number of epidemiological
studies and clinical trials. Investigators are now focused
on elucidating the pathways and mechanisms for the biological action
of n-3 PUFAs. Dietary intervention is recognized as a key measure in
patient therapy and in the maintenance of human health in general.
This review provides a summary of several important clinical trials, and
while the exact modes of action of n-3 PUFA are not known, current
viewpoints regarding the mechanisms of these fatty acids on atherosclerosis,
circulating lipid profile, cell membranes, cell proliferation,
platelet aggregation and cardiac arrhythmias are discussed.
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