Injectable Form of DHA Halts Arterial Plaque Progression: Promising Treatment for Heart Disease
Researchers have made a breakthrough in the fight against heart disease with the development of an injectable form of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid. This newly formulated version of DHA has shown remarkable effectiveness in halting the progression of arterial plaque, a major culprit behind heart attacks and strokes. If successful in human clinical trials, this novel treatment could revolutionize how heart disease is treated.
For years, DHA has been lauded for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are believed to aid in the prevention of atherosclerosis – the accumulation of fatty plaques on artery walls. While DHA is naturally found in oily fish like salmon, it is often consumed as an oral supplement. However, the problem lies in its poor absorption by the gut, making it difficult for the body to fully benefit from its health effects.
To overcome this challenge, scientists at the National University of Singapore devised a method to optimize the therapeutic potential of DHA. They developed an injectable form of DHA by encapsulating it in liposomes, tiny artificial spherical sacs made from cholesterol and non-toxic phospholipids. These liposomes serve as vehicles to deliver the DHA to the tissues without degradation, increasing its concentration where it is needed most.
In order to test the efficacy of the newly developed treatment in halting the progression of atherosclerosis, the researchers conducted experiments on mice. The mice were fed a high-fat diet to establish arterial plaques and then subjected to intravenous administration of control liposomes or DHA liposomes for eight weeks while continuing the unhealthy diet.
The results were striking. The DHA liposomes successfully accumulated in the arterial plaques when delivered into the bloodstream. Moreover, the liposomes were absorbed by macrophages, a type of white blood cell, which reduced the plaques. Remarkably, the researchers also found that the plaques became more stable, significantly reducing the risk of rupture and subsequent heart attack or stroke.
The implications of this study are groundbreaking. It suggests that the injectable DHA treatment holds tremendous promise in halting the progression of atherosclerosis, potentially saving countless lives. The researchers are now eagerly preparing for human clinical trials to further investigate the treatment’s effects.
This is the first study to demonstrate that injectable nanoformulation can remarkably improve the therapeutic effects of DHA against atherosclerosis at a dose of 40,000 to 400,000 times lower than the reported usage of oral DHA, said Jiong-Wei Wang, the corresponding author of the study. We are optimistic about the clinical benefits it may bring to our patients and are exploring clinical trials on patients in the near future.
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally, and the development of an effective treatment that targets the underlying cause could have a profound impact on public health. However, it is important to note that additional research and clinical trials are required before this treatment can be made widely available to patients.
The potential of injectable DHA in the fight against heart disease is undoubtedly exciting. If future studies confirm the initial findings, we may have a new tool in our arsenal to combat this deadly condition. As the researchers continue their important work, we eagerly await further updates on this promising development.
