Drug Therapy for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Utilizing Omega-3 Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Their Derivatives

Curr Drug Targets. 2018;19(11):1309-1317. doi: 10.2174/1389450118666171013101815.

Abstract

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are life-threatening because of the potential for rupture, resulting in death. The current standard treatment for AAA is surgery, comprising laparotomic graft replacement and endovascular repair. However, because surgery carries the risk of major complications and re-intervention, drug therapies are desirable because they may reduce the occurrence of enlargement and rupture.

Objective: Recent research shows that the progression of AAA is related to inflammatory reactions, especially those in the NF-κB pathway. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) show antiinflammatory effects. Some derivatives of omega-3 PUFA are known as specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM) such as resolvins. They play an important role in resolving inflammation.

Conclusion: Omega-3 PUFA and SPM may show promised effects for drug treatment of AAA.

Keywords: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA); drug therapy; inflammation; intraluminal thrombus; omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA); resolvin..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / complications
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diet therapy*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / immunology
  • Aortic Rupture / prevention & control*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Disease Progression
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / pharmacology
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • NF-kappa B
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids