Trans-myocardial omega-3 fatty acid gradient in coronary microvascular dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Metabolomics
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Background:

• Cardiac remodeling involves 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE), a metabolite of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) pathophysiology may be informed by trans-myocardial 18-HEPE levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the trans-myocardial concentrations of 18-HEPE and EPA.
• To explore the relationship between 18-HEPE and EPA levels in the myocardial bed.

Main Methods:

• Trans-myocardial plasma samples were collected from 10 subjects in the WISE Mechanisms of Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction Leading to Pre-HFpEF project.
• Concentrations of 18-HEPE and EPA were measured.

Main Results:

• 18-HEPE concentrations were significantly lower in coronary venous plasma compared to aortic plasma (p = 0.0039).
• Significant correlations were found between coronary venous EPA and aortic 18-HEPE (r = 0.94, p = 0.0002), and aortic EPA and aortic 18-HEPE (r = 0.82, p = 0.0058).

Conclusions:

• This pilot study suggests 18-HEPE is synthesized outside the heart.
• Evidence indicates 18-HEPE is utilized within the myocardial bed.