All omega 3 fatty acids improve serum lipid profiles and decrease aortic plaque buildup in LDLr‐/‐ mice fed an atherogenic diet (40.1)

Abstract

Although the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on vascular disease markers have been well studied, the effect of docosapentaenoic acid omega‐3 (DPAn3) has been studied less. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of DPAn3, EPA, DHA, and commercial combinations of EPA, DPAn3, and DHA on serum lipid profiles and the development of atherosclerosis in mice. Male LDLr‐/‐ mice were assigned to one of six atherogenic (42% kcal from fat) dietary treatments (n=8) that had 3.5% of total fatty acids (FA) replaced with milk fat, DHA, DPAn3, EPA, or a commercial n3 fatty acid preparation. Blood samples were taken at 0, 10, and 20 weeks into the study; serum was isolated and probed for lipid classes and glucose. Aortic arches were harvested from all mice and total, free, and esterified cholesterol are reported. Serum lipid profiles and glucose in mice increased over the study, but supplementing n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) decreased (P<0.05) serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and non‐esterified fatty acid concentrations compared to the milk fat control. Mice supplemented with all n3 PUFA had decreased aortic total cholesterol (P<0.10) and cholesterol ester (P<0.05) compared to the control mice. The results of this study suggest that EPA, DPA, and DHA may equally (P>0.10) improve serum lipid profiles and decrease aortic plaque buildup in a mouse model prone to atherosclerosis.Grant Funding Source: Supported by Omega Protein Corporation