Docosahexaenoic Acid Improves the Nitroso-Redox Balance and Reduces VEGF-Mediated Angiogenic Signaling in Microvascular Endothelial Cells

The poorly understood mechanism by which ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) reduce the severity of ocular vasoproliferative disorders was investigated. The authors demonstrate that ω-3 PUFAs, in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), can improve the nitroso-redox balance by modulating the production of nitric oxide and superoxide. In addition, they provide evidence that ω-3 PUFAs also blunt growth factor signaling and displace eNOS from caveolae microdomains. Results suggests a dual benefit of ω-3 PUFAs in the treatment of ocular diseases by maintaining the prosurvival effects of NO in the early degenerative phase of ischemic retinopathies and reducing the severity of VEGF-mediated signaling in the late proliferative phase