BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:
Intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS) is
a narrowing of an intracranial artery, which is a common etiology for
ischemic stroke. In this commentary, we review key aspects of the
discrimination between non-stroke controls and ischemic stroke
patients on the background of phospholipid ω3-fatty acid (DHA, EPA)
composition. The discussion is embedded in the presentation of
general effects of long-chain ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)
in cardio-cerebro-vascular diseases (CCVDs) and Alzheimer dementia
(AD).
SUMMARY OF COMMENTARY:
ICAS is a common stroke subtype and has
emerged as a major factor in recurrent stroke and vascular mortality.
DHA and EPA are important fatty acids to distinguish between NCAS (no
cerebral arteriosclerotic stenosis) and ICAS in stroke. The risk of
ICAS is inversely correlated with the DHA content in phospholipids.
Furthermore, a mechanistic explanation has been proposed for the
beneficial effects of PUFAs in CCVDs and AD.
CONCLUSIONS:
Whereas the beneficial effects of
EPA/DHA for cardiovascular diseases and stroke seem to be beyond
question, preventive effects in patients with very mild cognitive
dysfunction and beginning Alzheimer's disease undoubtedly need
confirmation by larger clinical trials. A collaborative international
basic science approach is warranted considering cautiously designed
studies in order to avoid ethical problems.
Atherosclerosis. 2012 Sep 18. pii:
S0021-9150(12)00619-3
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