Arterial Plaque Traps Inflammation - Fish Oil may Release it

About this video

• Video Title: Arterial Plaque Traps Inflammation - Fish Oil may Release it
• Channel: Physionic
• Speakers: None listed
• Duration: 00:06:28

Overview

This video explains how omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, may help stabilize arterial plaque by reducing inflammation within it. It details two primary mechanisms: reducing the expression of adhesion molecules that allow immune cells to enter the plaque, and potentially facilitating the exit of existing immune cells from the plaque.

Key takeaways

• Omega-3 fats, like those in fish oil, can help stabilize arterial plaque by reducing inflammation.
• Stable plaque is less likely to rupture and damage blood vessels compared to soft plaque.
• Inflammation within plaque is partly due to immune cells that become trapped while trying to clear cholesterol.
• Omega-3s reduce the expression of VCAM, an adhesion protein on endothelial cells, which in turn reduces the ability of immune cells to invade the plaque.
• Omega-3s may also encourage the egress (exit) of immune cells from the plaque by influencing the expression of proteins like CCR7, though more research is needed in this area.