fig5

Figure 5. Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in hypertension. n3-PUFAs intervene in blood regulation through the following pathways: (1) conversion into prostaglandins via the cyclooxygenase pathway, causing vasodilation of the smooth muscle in arterial walls; (2) inhibition of ACE, reducing the synthesis of AT-II, thus leading to a decrease in blood pressure; (3) promotion of cytochrome P450 isoforms such as CYP1A1, which contributes to the activation of eNOS, increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide and thus causing vasodilation; (4) incorporation into the lipid matrix of the erythrocyte membrane, where they lead to a an increase, and a decrease in the sensitivity of arterial smooth muscle cells to vasoconstrictive effects. ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme; AT-II: angiotensin II; eNOS: endothelial nitric oxide synthase; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acids