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Dietary Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: November 29, 2013
Nanomedicine-based formulations containing ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: potential application in cardiovascular
Simona Serini1,2, Roberta Cassano3, Sonia Trombino3
1Institute of General Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy, gabriella.calviello@unicatt.it.
Abstract:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) are dietary factors involved in the prevention of cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. A multidisciplinary approach - based on recent findings in nutritional science, lipid biochemistry, biotechnology, and biology of inflammation and cancer - has been recently employed to develop ω-3 PUFA-containing nanoformulations with an aim to protect these fatty acids from degradation, increase their bioavailability and delivery to target tissues, and, thus, enhance their bioactivity. In some cases, these nanoformulations were designed to administer ω-3 PUFAs in combination with other nutraceuticals or conventional/innovative drugs. The aim of this strategy was to increase the activities of the compounds contained in the nanoformulation and to reduce the adverse effects often induced by drugs. We herein analyze the results of papers evaluating the potential use of ω-3 PUFA-containing nanomaterials in fighting cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Future directions in this field of research are also provided.
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