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Effects of ω-3 fatty acids on
vascular function in subjects
with type 2 Diabetes mellitus

ALIN STIRBAN, MD.
Hospital Bielefeld Center, Clinic for Internal Medecine, Endocrinology and Diabetology
Bielefeld, Germany

Abstract

There is increasing evidence supporting the hypothesis that omega-3-fatty acids (ω3-FA) have protective effectson the cardiovascular system. Recent data suggest that one of the main mechanisms is represented by the restoration ofendothelial function (EF). In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, cross-over study, 34 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus receiving either 2g purified ω3-FA, or olive oil (placebo) daily for 6 weeks were investigated. We measuredmacrovascular (brachial flow mediated dilatation -FMD, assessed by high resolution ultrasound) and microvascular function(laser-Doppler measurements of reactive hyperemia at the hand) fasting, as well as 2, 4 and 6 hours following a high-fatmeal (600 kcal). Treatment with purified ω3-FA prevented postprandial macrovascular deterioration, improved microvascular function after the meal and abated postprandial triglyceride increase. The present article aims at shortly reviewing our data in the context of available literature.


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