Molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism by fish oil

Abstract

Dietary fish oil is considered beneficial in the management of cardiovascular diseases. The hypotriglyceridemic effects of fish oil supplementation are mediated by the regulation of lipid metabolism. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) present in fish oil can alter the transcription of genes involved in lipid synthesis, oxidation and transport. Gene regulation at the transcriptional level involves several nuclear receptors and transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, sterol-regulatory element binding protein, liver X-receptors, farnesoid X receptors and hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α. Differential regulation of the transcription factors by n-3 PUFA specifically regulates lipid metabolism in a tissue-specific manner and is dependent on the genetic background. The ability of n-3 PUFA to regulate transcription factors makes them a potential nutritional tool to treat certain lipid disorders. n-3 PUFA derivatives need to be designed with optimal effects as pharmacological ...