Abstract
Both animal and clinical studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-arrhythmic properties. It has been suggested that these anti-arrhythmic effects are due to modulation of the activity of various myocardial calcium handling proteins such as ryanodine receptor (RyR), L-type calcium current and sodium/calcium exchanger. In this article, we review all the data available on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on ventricular myocardial calcium handling. In addition we highlight some unanswered questions and discuss possible therapeutic benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
Highlights
Omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have generated considerable interest as well as controversy regarding their role as anti-arrhythmic agents
We rapidly summarize normal myocardial calcium handling and the alteration in calcium handling that lead to delayed after-depolarization (DAD) and triggered activity (TA)
Similar to what was previously described by Leifert et al in rat cardiac myocytes, the Coronel group demonstrated that incorporation of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the membrane of pig ventricular myocytes reduced the incidence of calcium waves and DADs during challenge with norepinephrine (Berecki et al, 2007)
Summary
Omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have generated considerable interest as well as controversy regarding their role as anti-arrhythmic agents. Rat - or DHA up to 7.5 μM caused AP prolongation Guinea pig—AP shortening was observed already at lower concentrations such as around 5 μM Inhibition of calcium current and the RyR and the shortening of the AP produce marked reduction in calcium transient amplitude and cell shortening 1.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
