Omega-3 fatty acids reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced abnormalities in expression of connexin-40 in aorta of hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats

Physiol Res. 2016 Sep 19:65 Suppl 1:S65-76. doi: 10.33549/physiolres.933401.

Abstract

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega3FA) are known to reduce hypertriglyceridemia- and inflammation-induced vascular wall diseases. However, mechanisms of their effects are not completely clear. We examined, whether 10-day omega3FA diet can reduce bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced changes in expression of gap junction protein connexin40 (Cx40) in the aorta of hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (hHTG) rats. After administration of a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) to adult hHTG rats, animals were fed with omega3FA diet (30 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. LPS decreased Cx40 expression that was associated with reduced acetylcholine-induced relaxation of aorta. Omega3FA administration to LPS rats had partial anti-inflammatory effects, associated with increased Cx40 expression and improved endothelium dependent relaxation of the aorta. Our results suggest that 10-day omega3FA diet could protect endothelium-dependent relaxation of the aorta of hHTG rats against LPS-induced damage through the modulation of endothelial Cx40 expression.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic / metabolism
  • Aorta / drug effects*
  • Aorta / metabolism
  • Blotting, Western
  • Connexins / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / congenital
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / diet therapy*
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / metabolism
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Male
  • Rats

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic
  • CD68 protein, rat
  • Connexins
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Lipopolysaccharides