Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduce Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Abnormalities in Expression of Connexin-40 in Aorta of Hereditary Hypertriglyceridemic Rats

Omega-3 fatty acids (Omega 3FA) are known to reduce hypertriglyceridemia- and inflammation-induced vascular wall diseases. However, mechanisms of their effects are not completely clear. We examined, whether 10-day Omega 3FA diet can reduce bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced changes in expression of gap junction protein connexin40 (Cx40) in the aorta of hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (hHTG) rats. After administration of a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) to adult hHTG rats, animals were fed with Omega 3FA diet (30 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. LPS decreased Cx40 expression that was associated with reduced acetylcholine-induced relaxation of aorta. Omega 3FA administration to LPS rats had partial anti-inflammatory effects, associated with increased Cx40 expression and improved endothelium dependent relaxation of the aorta. Our results suggest that 10-day Omega 3FA diet could protect endothelium-dependent relaxation of the aorta of hHTG rats against LPS-induced damage through the modulation of endothelial Cx40 expression.