The use of ω-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids in heart failure: a preferential role in patients with diabetes
Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, 06/04/2012
Kazemian P et al. – There is promising evidence showing that use of ω–3 PUFA supplementation improves clinical outcomes of HF patients with diabetes. Further clinical trials are needed in this regard.
Methods- Authors summarize the clinical studies which investigated the use of ω–3 PUFAs in patients with HF with an emphasis on diabetes.
- They briefly summarize the evidence for an effect of ω–3 PUFAs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmias.
- They also discuss the proposed mechanisms of ω–3 PUFA action in cardiovascular diseases.
- While there is emerging evidence for a beneficial effect of ω–3 PUFA supplementation in patients with HF, the evidence for other indications have been variable and conflicting.
- In HF patients with diabetes, ω–3 PUFAs may have a preferential therapeutic benefit.
- Randomized controlled trials did not show considerable beneficial effects of ω–3 PUFAs in other conditions such as CAD and AF.
- In a diabetic and insulin–resistant state, ω–3 PUFAs bind to the G–protein coupled receptor, GPR120, resulting in reduced cytokine production from inflammatory macrophages and improved signaling in adipocytes, leading to a reduction in insulin resistance.
