Cardioprotective role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids through the regulation of lipid metabolism

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is ranked as the number one cause of death worldwide. The causes of CVD are defined by interplay between genetics and environmental factors; this contributes to the complexity of the pathophysiology of CVD. In spite of the advancement in medical science and drug discovery, the prevalence of CVD is still on the rise. The most important environmental factor in the pathogenesis of CVD is nutrition, especially the role of dietary fats.There are numerous reports supporting the cardioprotective effects of omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); however, there are also controversial reports. Giventhe complexity and physiological variation of the human population, it is pertinent to consider the various factors that could potentially affect the metabolism and hence the health benefits of n-3 PUFA beforea strong recommendation can be made. The focus of this chapter is on the cardioprotective effects of n-3 PUFA, with particular emphasis on the regulation of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, and factors such as age, sexand epigenetic modification thatcould potentially affect the health benefits of n-3 PUFA. This chapter also summarizesthe emerging paradigm of the connection between CVDand neuropsychiatric disorders; it presents the propensity of n-3 PUFA to facilitate a therapeutic connection between these two diseases through a common pathway ofneurotrophin signalling.