Red Blood Cells' Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Have a Distinct Influence on LDL Particle Size and Its Structural Modifications

Overview

Journal Arq Bras Cardiol

Specialty Cardiology & Vascular Diseases

Date 2023 Nov 22

PMID 37991120

Authors

Gustavo Henrique Ferreira Goncalinho

Geni Rodrigues Sampaio

Rosana Aparecida Manolio Soares-Freitas

Nagila Raquel Teixeira Damasceno

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: While Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 and n-6 PUFAs) have established effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, little is known about their impacts on LDL quality markers.

Objective: To assess the associations of n-3 and n-6 PUFA within red blood cells (RBC) with LDL particle size, small dense LDL-c (sdLDL-c), and electronegative LDL [LDL(-)] in adults with CVD risk factors.

Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 335 men and women aged 30 to 74 with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Analyses were conducted on biochemical parameters, such as glucose, insulin, HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, lipoprotein subfractions, electronegative LDL particle [LDL(-)] and its autoantibody, and RBC n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney test, one-way ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regressions were applied. All tests were two-sided, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The RBC n-6/n-3 ratio was associated with increased LDL(-) (β = 4.064; 95% CI = 1.381 - 6.748) and sdLDL-c (β = 1.905; 95% CI = 0.863 - 2.947) levels, and reduced LDL particle size (β = -1.032; 95% CI = -1.585 - -0.478). Separately, n-6 and n-3 PUFAs had opposing associations with those parameters, reinforcing the protective effects of n-3 and showing the potential negative effects of n-6 on LDL particle quality.

Conclusion: RBC n-6 PUFA was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and atherogenicity of LDL particles, while n-3 PUFA was associated with better cardiometabolic parameters and LDL particle quality.

Citing Articles

Role of Omega-3 and Omega-6 on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Importance of Dietary Sources and Lipid Structure.

Soares V, Silva T, Santos P Arq Bras Cardiol. 2023; 120(11):e20230753.

PMID: 38126490 PMC: 10773457. DOI: 10.36660/abc.20230753.

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