Effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the regulation of vascular endothelial cell function

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Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) belong to polyunsaturated fatty acids from the group n-3 (n-3 PUFA), and their main source are marine fishes. Many epidemiological studies have shown that high intake of these kinds of fishes is strictly associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. DHA and EPA inhibit the development of inflammation, change the function and regulation of molecules that are also vascular biomarkers. They are vasodilating and vasoconstriction factors by controlling the production of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin 1 (ET-1) in endothelial cells. They also contribute to antiatherosclerotic protection by regulating the expression of the oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) receptor, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor and adhesion molecules: intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) as well as monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1). Studies indicate that DHA and EPA regulate toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation and impair nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway activation. They show anti-inflammatory effects by affecting free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4). However, efficacy as well as the mechanisms of action of these acids in the prevention of cardiovascular disease are still not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of DHA and EPA on endothelial cells of blood vessels and to review the latest research on their potential in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.