Copyright © 2009. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. All rights reserved. 1079-2082/04/0602-1242$06.00
Therapeutic potential of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in diseaseJAMES W. FETTERMAN JR., PHARM.D., is Associate Professor and Experiential Education Coordinator, Department of Pharmacy Practice; and MARTIN M. ZDANOWICZ, PHD.,. is Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, South University, Savannah, GA. Address correspondence to Dr. Fetterman at the Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406 (jfetterman{at}southuniversity.edu).
Summary. Fish oils are an excellent source of long-chain n-3 PUFAs, such as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. After consumption, n-3 PUFAs can be incorporated into cell membranes and reduce the amount of arachidonic acid available for the synthesis of proinflammatory eicosanoids (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes). Likewise, n-3 PUFAs can also reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor
Conclusion. The n-3 PUFAs have been shown to be efficacious in treating and preventing various diseases. The wide variation in dosages and formulations used in studies makes it difficult to recommend dosages for specific treatment goals.
Index terms: Docosahexaenoic acid; Drug interactions; Eicosapentaenoic acid; Fish oils; Mechanism of action; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Toxicity
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