How Are n-3 LCPUFAs Antiarrhythmic? A Reassessment of n-3 LCPUFAs in Cardiac Disease. (16th August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ramadeen, Andrew; Dorian, Paul
• Other Names: Nygård Ottar Kjell Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Cardiology research and practice. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-08-16
• Subjects: Cardiology -- Research -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Cardiology; Cardiology; Cardiology -- Research; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/746709
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8016

Abstract

Abstract : Long-chain n-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs), referring particularly to marine-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have been shown to be effective in treating arrhythmias in some clinical trials and animal studies. The mechanism for this effect of n-3 LCPUFAs is not well understood. Experimental studies and clinical trials published in the 1980s and 1990s suggested that n-3 LCPUFAs may be antiarrhythmic drugs, but more recent trials have not confirmed this. In this paper, we examine evidence for, and against, the direct antiarrhythmic action of n-3 LCPUFAs and suggest that antistructural remodeling effects of n-3 LCPUFAs may be more relevant in accounting for their clinical effects.