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Abstract
The susceptibility of fatty acids to oxidation is thought to be directly dependent
on their degree of unsaturation. However, some in vitro and in vivo studies suggest
that the relation between chemical structure and susceptibility to oxidation is not
as straightforward as hypothesized from theoretical viewpoints. Indeed, long chain
polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) might be less oxidizable than others under
specific experimental conditions. We investigated the free radical-scavenging potential
of PUFA and the production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen (ROS/RNS) species by human
aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) supplemented with different fatty acids. Fatty acid
micelles scavenged superoxide in an unsaturation-dependent manner, up to eicosapentaenoic
acid, which was the most effective fatty acid. Supplementation of HAEC with polyunsaturated
fatty acids of the omega 3 series resulted in lower formation of ROS, as compared
with cells supplemented with saturates, monounsaturates, or polyunsaturates of the
omega 6 series. This effect was maximal at concentrations of 10muM. The effects of
omega 3 fatty acids on reactive species production appear to be stronger when ROS
were evaluated, as a milder, albeit significant effect was observed on RNS generation.
Based on in vivo data showing reduced excretion of lipid peroxidation products after
omega 3 intake and our data on ROS production and direct superoxide scavenging by
LC-PUFAs, notably those of the omega 3 series, we propose that this series of fatty
acid might act as indirect anti- rather than pro-oxidant in vascular endothelial cells,
hence diminishing inflammation and, in turn, the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular
disease.