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Dietary omega-3 fatty acids and human growth factor and cytokine gene expression

C. von Schacky*

University of Munich, Medizinische Klinik Innenstadt, Munich, Germany

* Correspondence: Professor Dr C. von Schacky, Medizinische Klinik, Klinikum der Universität Munchen, Standort Innenstadt, Ziemssenstraße 1, 80336 München, Germany.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has an inflammatory component that is deemed to play an important role in the development of alterations in the vessel wall, ultimately resulting in plaques and other abnormalities that narrow the artery's lumen. The extent and the speed of development of this inflammatory component is currently thought to be largely modulated by cytokines and growth factors. Among all classes of dietary unsaturated fatty acids studied so far, only omega-3 fatty acids down-regulate ex vivo expression of PDGF-A, PDGF-B and MCP-1 in mononuclear cells. This down-regulation persists despite stimulation/differentiation of these cells by adherence. The down-regulation is specific and selective for PDGF-A, PDGF-B and MCP-1, which are thought to promote atherogenesis. This was found to be reflected in a reduced progression/increased regression of coronary lesions in a coronary angiography study, lending support to the importance of PDGF-A, PDGF-B and MCP-1 in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Key Words: Atherosclerosis • coronary artery disease • secondary prevention • mononuclear cells • volunteer study

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