Dietary fatty acids effects on sucrose-induced cardiovascular syndrome in rats

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortal ity in Mexico. We investigated the effects of omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n- 6) polyunsaturated fatty acids on the metabolic syndrome associated with ca rdiovascular disease in a high-sucrose-fed rat model. The metabolic syndrom e-induced rats showed a significant increase in systolic blood pressure, se rum insulin, nonfasting serum triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels. Ex perimental high-sucrose-fed animals received either a n-3 or n-6 enriched d iet or a control diet during 6 weeks. Animals fed the n-3 enriched diet had a significant reduction in blood pressure and serum insulin and triglyceri de levels. Serum triglyceride levels were also significantly reduced in the n-6-rich diet animals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.