OMEGA-3-FATTY-ACIDS AND ENDOTHELIAL-LEUKOCYTE ADHESION MOLECULES

Although dietary fatty acids can modulate atherogenesis and inflammati on, the mechanisms by which this occurs are poorly understood, Inducti on in endothelial cells of adhesion molecules for circulating leukocyt es and of inflammatory mediators by cytokines likely contributes to ea rly phases of atherogenesis and inflammation, We report here that inco rporation into cellular lipids of one specific fatty acid of the omega -3 family, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), decreases cytokine-induced expr ession of endothelial leukocyte adhesion molecules, secretion of infla mmatory mediators, and leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells. These properties of DHA may contribute to antiatherogenic and antiinflammato ry effects of omega-3 fatty acids.