The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Reverse Cholesterol Transport: A Review

Nutrients. 2017 Oct 6;9(10):1099. doi: 10.3390/nu9101099.

Abstract

The beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on cardiovascular disease have been studied extensively. However, it remains unclear to what extent n-3 PUFAs may impact Reverse Cholesterol Transport (RCT). RCT describes a mechanism by which excess cholesterol from peripheral tissues is transported to the liver for hepatobiliary excretion, thereby inhibiting foam cell formation and the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this review is to summarize the literature and to provide an updated overview of the effects of n-3 PUFAs on key players in RCT, including apoliprotein AI (apoA-I), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1, apoE, scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr), cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) and ABCG5/G8. Based on current knowledge, we conclude that n-3 PUFAs may beneficially affect RCT, mainly by influencing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) remodeling and by promoting hepatobiliary sterol excretion.

Keywords: Omega 3; PUFA; RCT; Reverse Cholesterol Transport; n3-PUFA.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Foam Cells / drug effects*
  • Foam Cells / metabolism
  • Hepatobiliary Elimination / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Risk Factors

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Cholesterol