How fish oils keep our heart and blood vessels healthy

Investigation of the mechanisms underlying the  vasodilator effects of the n-3 PUFAs (fish oils), doxahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in resistance and coronary arteries; involvement of the endothelium dependent hyperpolarization vasodilator pathway

We know that eating fish is good for our heart health. Omega-3 fish oils (DHA and EPA) relax blood vessels and reduce blood pressure, bringing down the risk of heart and circulatory disease. Some studies suggest that fish oils relax blood vessels by affecting how cells in the inner lining of blood vessels work, but we don’t fully understand how this happens. Dr Alister McNeish from the University of Reading has received a grant to test purified fish oils on cells and small sections of blood vessels, and work out they improve blood vessel function. They will investigate how different fish oils affect the channel proteins which are important for blood vessel relaxation - calcium activated potassium channels and transient receptor-potential TRP channels. They will also work to identify the specific types and quantities of fish oil needed to gain these health benefits because recent studies have suggested that quantities higher than those obtained through the diet, or even through supplements, might be needed.