Antiarrhythmic characteristic of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid Review article

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Published: Apr 13, 2010
Keywords:
polyunsaturated fatty acids, antiarrhythmic mechanisms

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Jacek Lelakowski
Klinika Elektrokardiologii Instytutu Kardiologii Collegium Medicum, Uniwersytet Jagielloński

Abstract

The concept that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) may reduce cardiac deaths via antiarrhythmic effects is supported by basic science, animal, and human studies. In vitro studies have shown that acutely superfused omega-3 PUFA can interact with sodium, potassium and calcium ion channels in the cell membrane. Of these interactions the most important appears to be the ability of omega-3 PUFA to inactivate sodium channels in the presence of myocardial ischemia. PUFA stabilize the electrical activity of isolated cardiac myocytes by modulating sarcolemmal ion channels, so that a stronger electrical stimulus is required to elicit an action potential and the refractory period is markedly prolonged. Inhibition of voltage-dependent sodium currents, which initiate action potentials in excitable tissues, and of the L-type calcium currents, which initiate release of sarcoplasmic calcium stores, thus increasing cytosolic free calcium concentrations and activating the contractile proteins in myocytes, appears at present to be the probable major antiarrhythmic mechanisms of PUFA.

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How to Cite
Lelakowski, J. (2010). Antiarrhythmic characteristic of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Medycyna Faktow (J EBM), 3(1(6), 45-49. Retrieved from https://journalsmededu.pl/index.php/jebm/article/view/2614
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Vol 3 No 1(6) (2010)
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Articles

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