Omega?3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and hypertension: a review of vasodilatory mechanisms of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid

Hypertension is often characterised by impaired vasodilation involving dysfunction of multiple vasodilatory mechanisms. ?-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) can reduce blood pressure vasodilation. In the endothelium, DHA EPA improve function including increased NO bioavailability. However, animal studies show that DHA- EPA-mediated persists after endothelial removal, indicating a role for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The effects PUFAs on VSMCs are mediated via opening large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (BKCa ), ATP-sensitive (KATP ) possibly members Kv 7 family voltage-activated channels, resulting in hyperpolarisation relaxation. PUFA actions BKCa voltage-gated ion involve electrostatic interactions dependent acyl tail, cis-geometry these double bonds negative charge carboxyl headgroup. This suggests structural manipulation could generate novel, targeted, therapeutic leads.