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

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.