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How do omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids help to regulate blood pressure?

Dr Alister McNeish (lead researcher)

University of Reading

Start date: 29 January 2020 (Duration 3 years)

Characterisation of the mechanisms of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and novel structural analogues on the activation of KATP channels and subsequent regulation of blood pressure 

Researchers at the University of Reading want to understand exactly how eating oily fish lowers blood pressure. Eating fish or taking fish oil supplements that are high in omega-3 has been shown to improve health. One way that fish oils improve health is by lowering blood pressure, which reduces the risk of other problems, including heart attack and strokes. Evidence suggests that it is fish oils’ ability to dilate (relax) blood vessels that is responsible for this effect, but it’s not yet clear how they do this. Understanding the effect of fish oils could lead to new ways to combat high blood pressure, which affects nearly 30 per cent of UK adults. Research has suggested a number of ways in which fish oils take their effect. But studies by Dr McNeish’s team suggest that potassium channels, tiny pores in cells, are responsible. They believe that fish oils interact with these potassium channels in the cells of the blood vessel wall, leading to vessel dilation. In this study they will study mouse arteries to understand exactly how fish oils interact with potassium channels and what effect this has. This will inform future dietary advice and pinpoint the active ingredient in fish oils. It may be that this interaction could be mimicked in a new generation of blood pressure lowering treatments.

Project details

Grant amount £241,913
Grant type Project Grants
Application type Project Grant
Start Date 29 January 2020
Duration 3 years
Reference PG/19/57/34568
Status In Progress
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