Τόμος 7 (1989) – Τεύχος 2 – Άρθρο 1 – Επιθεώρηση Κλινικής Φαρμακολογίας και Φαρμακοκινητικής-Ελληνική Έκδοση – Volume 7 (1989) – Issue 2 – Article 1 – Epitheorese Klinikes Farmakologias και Farmakokinetikes-Greek Edition

ARTEMIS P. SIMOPOULOS

7: 67-72 (1989)

PHARMAKON-Press: Epitheorese Klin. Farmakol. Farmakokinet.

7: 67-72 (1989)

Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids are essential in growth and deve­lopment and influence the course and manife­station of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hyper­tension, inflammation, arthritis, other autoim­mune disorders and possibly cancer. Eicosa­pentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the diet depress the synthesis of very low density lipoprotein triglycerides and in­crease turnover and at high doses reduce plasma cholesterol concentration; reduce blood viscosity and increase red cell membrane fluidity; increase bleeding time; increase levels of plasminogen activator that leads to increa­sed fibrinolytic activity, an additional anti-thrombotic effect of EPA ingestion; inhibit platelet aggregation to epinephrine and colla­gen; lower the blood pressure in both normal individuals and in those with hypertension; and alleviate joint tenderness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. It is evident that omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the modulation of human metabolism. Their poten­tial role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, certain forms of arthri­tis and inflammatory and autoimmune proces­ses is currently under investigation. At present, particular attention is behind paid to the dose and mechanism(s) of action of omega-3 fatty acids. The functions of the various omega-3 fatty acids need to be specifically defined. Furthermore, investigations in patients with clinical end points are essential. Randomized placebo-controlled-double blind clinical trials are needed to ascertain whether or not the biochemical and physiologic effects of omega-3 fatty acids in disease states can also prevent their development.

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