PURPOSE: To study the effect of omega-3 fatty acid on endothelium-dependent relaxation, total plasma cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides levels as well as, the malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the LDL particles and arterial wall. METHODS: Fourteen male rabbits were randomly assigned to hypercholesterolemic and omega-3 groups. The dose of omega-3 fatty acid utilized was 300g/kg/day during 15 days. All rabbits were fed a diet supplemented with cholesterol (0.5%) and coconut oil (2%) for four weeks. At the end of the experiment the animals were killed and the aorta removed for measurement of MDA content and the endothelium-dependent relaxation studies. Total plasma cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides was measured by enzymatic kits. MDA was also measured in natives and oxidized LDL and arterial wall. RESULTS: Cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were increased significantly in the omega-3 treated animals. The triglyceride level was significantly reduced (p<0.05). The MDA content was increased in the LDL particles and in the arterial wall (p<0.05). Endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly reduced (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Omega-3 fatty acid impairs the endothelium-dependent relaxation when administered to cholesterol fed rabbits, increases the cholesterol and reduces the triglycerides plasma levels. The lipid peroxidation of the LDL particles and arterial wall was increased.
endothelium-dependent relaxation; omega-3 fatty acid; hypercholesterolemia
