Intake of coated EPA:DHA 6:1 nanoparticles improves age-related endothelial dysfunction by restoring the endothelial formation of NO and improving oxidative stress: Role of the local angiotensin system

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. This study investigated whether nanoencapsulation of EPA:DHA 6:1 is associated with an improved beneficial effect on age-related endothelial dysfunction. Thoracic aorta and main mesenteric artery from young and middle-aged rats that received daily by gavage 100 mg/kg of either native or coated form for 1-week were investigated. Vascular reactivity and level of oxidative stress and target proteins were assessed using organ chambers, dihydroethidium and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Compared to the native form, the coated EPA:DHA 6:1 nanoparticles treatment improved to a greater extent NO-mediated relaxation and contractile response, and the level of vascular oxidative stress and expression of ACE/AT1R in the aged artery. The nanoencapsulation of EPA:DHA 6:1 promotes a greater beneficial effect on age-related endothelial dysfunction involving improved NO-mediated relaxations and normalization of the pro-oxidant local angiotensin system.