Published in:
01-08-2012
The Use of ω-3 Poly-Unsaturated Fatty Acids in Heart Failure: A Preferential Role in Patients with Diabetes
Published in: Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy | Issue 4/2012
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Purpose
To review the evidence for a beneficial effect of ω-3 PUFAs in heart failure (HF) and its co-morbidities, their possible preferential effect in diabetes and the potential mechanism for their benefit.
Methods
We summarize the clinical studies which investigated the use of ω-3 PUFAs in patients with HF with an emphasis on diabetes. We briefly summarize the evidence for an effect of ω-3 PUFAs in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmias. We also discuss the proposed mechanisms of ω-3 PUFA action in cardiovascular diseases.
Results
While there is emerging evidence for a beneficial effect of ω-3 PUFA supplementation in patients with HF, the evidence for other indications have been variable and conflicting. In HF patients with diabetes, ω-3 PUFAs may have a preferential therapeutic benefit. Randomized controlled trials did not show considerable beneficial effects of ω-3 PUFAs in other conditions such as CAD and AF. In a diabetic and insulin-resistant state, ω-3 PUFAs bind to the G-protein coupled receptor, GPR120, resulting in reduced cytokine production from inflammatory macrophages and improved signaling in adipocytes, leading to a reduction in insulin resistance.
Conclusions
There is promising evidence showing that use of ω-3 PUFA supplementation improves clinical outcomes of HF patients with diabetes. Further clinical trials are needed in this regard.