Omega-3脂肪酸与心血管疾病

Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular diseases

Omega-3系列多不饱和脂肪酸为人体自身不能合成的必需脂肪酸,对人体的作用与二十碳五烯酸(EPA)、二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)的生物活性密切相关。大量研究表明,omega-3脂肪酸具有改善心血管疾病的作用。然而近年来,部分人体研究得出了与此不同的结论。该文回顾了omega-3脂肪酸的主要食物来源、合成路径,并进一步探讨了其对于心血管危险因素的影响、对心血管疾病作用的临床证据及作用机制。

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in human body. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids are closely associated with the bioactivity of eicosapentaenoic acid （EPA） and docosahexaenoic acid （DHA）. Considerable research suggested that omega-3 fatty acids can improve the cardiovascular diseases. However, some studies obtained conflictive results in recent years. This article reviews major dietary sources and synthesis pathways of omega-3 fatty acids and discusses their effects on cardiovascular risk factors, the clinical evidence of cardiovascular protective effect, as well as mechanisms.