Microcirculation, vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids: an overview

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Endothelial Biology

Background:

• Fish oil (FO) supplementation is known to affect lipid profiles, including triglycerides and cholesterol.
• The impact of FO on vascular function and endothelial health, particularly in conjunction with antioxidants like vitamin E, requires further investigation.
• Oxidation of lipids, especially LDL-cholesterol, can have detrimental effects on the vascular endothelium.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of FO supplementation on laser Doppler flow (LDF) and cerebral blood volume (CBV) in different age groups.
• To determine the role of vitamin E in mitigating potential adverse effects of FO supplementation on lipid oxidation and vascular endothelium.
• To explore the mechanisms by which dietary fatty acids and vitamin E influence vascular tone and microcirculatory function.

Main Methods:

• Human studies involving FO supplementation in younger and elderly subjects with varying lipid profiles.
• In vivo and in vitro experiments using mouse models to assess lipid oxidation.
• Analysis of lipid profiles, including triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and Apo-B100.
• Assessment of LDL oxidation and its effect on albumin transfer.
• Evaluation of the protective effects of vitamin E and western fat blend supplementation.

Main Results:

• FO supplementation significantly increased LDF and CBV in younger subjects.
• In elderly subjects, these increases were reversed unless supplemented with higher doses of vitamin E.
• Dietary vitamin E (100 IU/Kg) did not adequately protect against lipid oxidation in mice fed an FO-rich diet.
• Oxidation of LDL from FO-supplemented subjects increased albumin transfer, a change prevented by vitamin E co-supplementation.
• Western fat blend supplementation showed protective effects, likely due to monounsaturated fatty acids.

Conclusions:

• FO supplementation without adequate vitamin E may be detrimental to the vascular endothelium.
• Vitamin E is crucial for protecting against lipid oxidation and preventing adverse vascular effects associated with FO.
• Dietary n-3 fatty acids, when adequately protected by antioxidants, may promote vasodilation and improve microcirculatory flow by modulating vascular tone and inflammatory markers.