Fish/fish oil intake and inflammatory biomarkers, endothelial function

The marine omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are widely touted for their cardiovascular health benefits and are even prescribed to patients following acute myocardial infarctions. Despite their clinical usage, the cellular mechanisms by which EPA and DHA exert their health benefits remain unclear but multiple lines of evidence have suggested multiple pathways. Among these, EPA and DHA have been shown to promote an antiinflammatory profile and suppress known risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. Most recently, EPA and DHA have been found to actively promote the resolution of inflammatory events through their metabolism in to powerful hormone-like compounds such as the resolvins and protectins. In addition to these latest compounds, new metabolites continue to be discovered and characterized that mediate the effects of EPA and DHA.