Atherosclerosis: An intracellular deficiency in essential fatty acids

Essential fatty acids are shunted into an intracellular cholesteryl ester pool when the endothelium is injured and the consequences are enormous; smooth muscle cells proliferate and the atherosclerotic lesion develops.

Abstract

Essential fatty acids are shunted into an intracellular cholesteryl ester pool when the endothelium is injured. An intracellular essential fatty acid deficiency occurs. The consequences of this process are enormous. Less arachidonic acid is available for the synthesis of prostacyclin enhancing both endothelial injury and platelet aggregation. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are not available for the control of cell proliferation through the oxidant stress which is induced by hydroperoxy fatty acids. Smooth muscle cells proliferate and the atherosclerotic lesion develops.