Molecular mechanisms for biological endpoints of n-3 fatty acids

Abstract

Accumulating evidence in both humans and animal models clearly indicates that a group of very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, the n-3 (or omega-3) fatty acids, have distinct and important bioactive properties compared with other groups of fatty acids. The n-3 fatty acids are known to reduce many risk factors associated with several diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer. The mechanisms whereby n-3 fatty acids affect gene expression are complex. As examples, n-3 fatty acids regulate two groups of transcription factors, sterol regulatory element binding proteins and peroxisome proliferator activated receptors, which are critical for modulating the expression of genes controlling both systemic and tissuespecific lipid homeostasis. Modulation of specific genes by n-3 fatty acids and cross-talk between these genes are responsible for many effects of n-3 fatty acids. Keywords: atherosclerosis; gene expression; n-3 fatty acids; SREBP