Understanding the role of an omega-3 fatty acid in the prevention of arrhythmias

Over the previous few many years, scientists have generated a pile of proof suggesting {that a} eating regimen wealthy in saturated fat is sufficient to trigger coronary heart illnesses. Moreover different issues like diabetes and atherosclerosis, saturated fat have additionally been linked to life-threatening arrhythmias.

Curiously, primarily based on animal and human research, sure omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids appear to have useful results on cardiovascular well being. Specifically, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which is present in fish oil, not solely has vasodilator and antiplatelet results, however may even assist stop atrial fibrillation and different arrhythmias. Regardless of EPA being available as a dietary complement, the impact of EPA on cardiomyocytes and their underlying mechanisms of motion are usually not totally understood.

In a latest research revealed on-line on July 10, 2024 within the Worldwide Journal of Molecular Sciences, a analysis workforce from Japan got down to bridge this data hole. Led by Affiliate Professor Masaki Morishima from Kindai College, they investigated the function of EPA in inducing long-term electrical modifications in cultured mouse cardiomyocytes utilizing quite a lot of bioanalytical methods. Their analysis article was co-authored by Dr. Katsushige Ono from Oita College and Dr. Kazuki Horikawa from Tokushima College.

The primary focus of this work was on how an oleic acid/palmitic acid combination (OAPA), two well-studied saturated fat, impression calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes by affecting Ca2+ ion channels, and whether or not EPA can rescue these modifications and restore regular functioning.

First, utilizing real-time PCR, the researchers discovered that OAPA markedly lowered the mRNA ranges of Cav1.2 L-type Ca2+ channels. Dwell cell imaging techniques confirmed that OAPA additionally lowered the spontaneous beating charge of cardiomyocytes.

Notably, these modifications have been prevented when even a small quantity of EPA was utilized along with OAPA, rescuing each mRNA and protein expression ranges of Cav1.2. By electrophysiological measurements, the researchers additionally confirmed that the discount in Cav1.2 channel present brought on by OAPA was additionally prevented by EPA.

To achieve extra detailed insights into the consequences of OAPA and EPA, the workforce then targeted on a transcription issue often called cAMP response aspect binding protein (CREB), whose phosphorylation serves as an index of Cav1.2 transcription. Whereas OAPA lowered CREB mRNA in a means completely in line with modifications in Cav1.2 mRNA, EPA was in a position to stop these alterations.

The researchers then turned their consideration to FFAR4, an EPA receptor. Curiously, the researchers noticed that an agonist to FFAR4, mimicking the consequences of EPA rescued the modifications brought on by OAPA, whereas an antagonist to FFAR4 outright blocked the consequences of EPA. Collectively, these findings reveal that EPA is concerned in a regulatory pathway mediated by FFAR4 that impacts the regulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in cardiomyocytes.

A last set of experiments revealed that OAPA was answerable for oxidative stress by means of the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Once more, EPA might rescue ROS accumulation induced by OAPA. Nonetheless, it turns outs that ROS accumulation impacts the transcription of Cav1.2 L-type Ca2+ channels by means of yet one more pathway that’s unbiased of FFAR4.

Put collectively, this research has shed some a lot wanted mild on the underlying mechanisms by which EPA might bolster coronary heart well being.

“Though there are methods and medicines to regulate arrhythmias, strategies to stop them haven’t been established,” remarks Dr. Morishima.

Including additional, she states, “The outcomes of our research counsel that EPA has a protecting impact on cardiomyocytes by normalizing abnormalities brought on by the consumption of extreme quantities of saturated fatty acids, which happens in high-fat diets.”

The workforce envisions that these findings will pave the way in which for smarter dietary decisions and new well being pointers. “Whereas analysis on vitamins and illness prevention can take a very long time, research like ours lay the groundwork for sensible dietary methods that would seamlessly match into on a regular basis eating regimen,” concludes Dr. Morishima, hoping for a more healthy future.

Supplied by
Kindai College