Stoffwechselwirkungen von ω-3-Fettsäuren

Metabolic Effects of ω-3 Fatty Acids Biological effects of ω-3 fatty acids are related to their properties as structural components of cell membranes, their role as precursors of eicosanoids and their effects on lipoprotein metabolism. This is the basis for a great variety of metabolic effects, many of which of increasing medical interest. Particularly in the cardiovascular field, ω-3 fatty acids have been shown to have a wide spectrum of potentially antiatherogenic effects. Among these are the inhibition of platelet aggregation, reduction of blood viscosity, lowering of blood pressure and suppression of inflammatory reactions in the arteriosclerotic plaque. The principal actions in lipid metabolism are a reduction in triglycerides and a small increase in HDL₂. The effect on LDL-cholesterol is complex and an adverse LDL-increase may occur in particular hyperlipoproteinemias.