Fish Oil Exerts Endothelial Benefits

A type of omega-3 polyunsatuated fatty acid, fish oil is shown by a number of previous studies to improve blood lipid levels, reduce thrombosis, and improve vascular function.  SY Wu, from the University of Reading (United Kingdom), and colleagues enrolled 84 men and women with a moderate risk of cardiovascular disease (due to genetic profile), in an eight-week long study in which subjects received either fish oil supplements (daily dose of 1.5 grams [0.9 gm EPA and 0.6 gm DHA]), or placebo.  Results showed that endothelial progenitor cell numbers increased by an average of 126.5 in the group receiving fish oil supplements, compared to 5.17 in the placebo group.  Additionally, endothelial microparticle numbers (a marker of damage) decreased by an average of 8.75 in the fish oil group (as compared to 2.74 in the placebo group).  The study authors submit that: “Emerging cellular markers of endothelial damage, integrity, and repair appear to be sensitive to potentially beneficial modification by dietary [omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids].”