Baroreflex sensitivity and central hemodynamics after omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in an animal model of menopause

Objective: Baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and central arterial function are significantly worsened after menopausal transition. This study tested the hypothesis that administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) might contribute to prevent these adverse changes in the vascular function of ovariectomized rats, an animal model of experimental menopause. Methods: We randomized 30 female Wistar rats, 2 months old, into 3 groups: control (CTRL), sham surgery, normal diet; ovariectomized with normal diet (OVX) and ovariectomized with n-3 PUFA supplementation by daily gavage (0.8 g/kg/d) (OVX + 03). Two months after surgery, BRS was calculated as the bradycardic response to phenylephrine-induced blood pressure increase, while large artery function was estimated by the graphical analysis of the aortic pressure wave (diastolic to systolic pressure-time integral ratio, DTI/STI). Results: Ovariectomy caused a significant decrease in BRS (CTRL: 6.23 +/- 0.68 ms/mm Hg; OVX: 2.85 +/- 0.75; p < 0.001). n-3 PUFA supplementation prevented part of the decline of BRS caused by surgical menopause (OVX + 03:4.75 +/- 0.53; p < 0.01 vs OVX). In animals treated with n-3 PUFA, the central arterial pressure profile did not show the changes in DTI/STI ratio seen in OVX (OVX: 3.31 +/- 1.72; OVX + 03: 3.83 +/- 1.52; p < 0.01). Conclusions: In an experimental model of menopause, treatment with n-3 PUFA normalized central hemodynamics and prevented the decrease in BRS, associated with the reduction of compliance of the arterial wall. These findings suggest a therapeutic benefit of n-3 PUFA supplementation in the prevention of postmenopausal vascular disease. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc All rights reserved.