Background: Endothelial dysfunction is a key vascular alteration in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Omega 3 (
n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduce vascular oxidative stress and inflammation. We investigated whether
n-3 PUFA could reverse endothelial dysfunction in CKD by improving endothelial
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Background: Endothelial dysfunction is a key vascular alteration in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Omega 3 (
n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduce vascular oxidative stress and inflammation. We investigated whether
n-3 PUFA could reverse endothelial dysfunction in CKD by improving endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function and oxidative stress. Methods: 5/6 nephrectomized male Wistar rats (CKD;
n = 10) and sham operated animals (SHAM;
n = 10) were treated for 6 weeks with standard diet. An additional group of CKD rats were fed an
n-3 PUFA enriched diet (CKD + PUFA;
n = 10). We then measured endothelium-dependent (EDD) and -independent vasodilation, markers of endothelial function and of oxidative stress in thoracic aortas. Results: Compared to SHAM, in CKD aortas EDD and eNOS expression were reduced (
p < 0.05) and 3-nitrotyrosine levels were increased, while expression of NADPH oxidase subunits NOX4 and p22
phox was similar. In-vitro incubation with Tiron failed to reverse endothelial dysfunction in CKD. In CKD + PUFA, EDD improved (
p < 0.05) compared with CKD rats, while blockade of eNOS by L-NAME worsened EDD. These effects were accompanied by increased (
p < 0.05) eNOS and reduced (
p < 0.05) expression of NOX4 and 3-nitrotyrosine levels. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings indicate that
n-3 PUFA improve endothelial dysfunction by restoring NO bioavailability in CKD.
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