More Evidence that Omega-3's Curb Inflammation and Decrease Risk of Heart Disease and Cancer

What the heck are soluble adhesion molecules, and why should you care?

Well, they’re proteins belonging to the family of “cell adhesion molecules” (CAMs), and they’re implicated in cardiovascular disease and cancer.

CAMs are markers for specific inflammatory processes that impact white blood cells, blood platelet cells, and endothelial cells … with generally negative effects.

The endothelium (inner layer) of blood vessels is made of endothelial cells, which are very active players in the health of our arteries … and appear to play indirect roles in cancer growth.

Now, two new studies indicate that higher intakes of omega-3s (EPA and DHA) from fish inhibit a specific kind of CAM, with consequent benefits to heart and immune health.

Both studies looked at the effects of omega-3s on blood levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1). Researchers from China’s Jilin University analyzed 18 randomized clinical trials that tested omega-3 supplements and collected data on the participants’ blood levels of sICAM-1 (Yang Y et al. 2012). Their analysis indicates that omega-3 supplements can reduce blood levels of sICAM-1 in healthy people and people with unhealthy blood fat profiles. This seems to reveal a new way in which omega-3s may help prevent atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disease.

Adding a new insight to the inflammation-moderating effects of omega-3s, the Chinese team found that supplements reduced inflammation by inhibiting activation of monocytes, which proliferate in response to inflammation.

Chronic inflammation drives atherosclerosis, the leading cause of cardiovascular disease.
It’s become clear that white blood (immune-system) cells – especially macrophages – promote arterial plaques, which are prone to rupture, leading to strokes, heart attack, and possible death. Like macrophages, monocytes appear to promote the formation of arterial plaques and fuel their growth by forming “foam” cells, producing free radicals, and more.

As the researchers wrote, their finding “… supports the notion that omega-3 [supplements can help] to prevent the development and progression of atherosclerosis.” (Yang Y et al. 2012)

A team from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Paris report that higher blood levels of omega-3 may counteract the pro-cancer properties of sICAM-1 (Touvier M et al. 2012).