Modulation of the Arachidonic Cascade with ω3 Fatty Acids or Analogues: Potential Therapeutic Benefits

Increasing interest in the role of ω3 fatty acids has arisen in these latest years since evidence of their implication in the cardioprotective fish based diet of the Inuit has been demonstrated. Furthermore, several in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies support the benefit of this fatty acids intake in various pathological states such as in the cardiovascular, cancer, inflammation, psychiatric, paediatric, pulmonary, dermatological and ophthalmologic fields. This review will focus on metabolism and pharmacological implication of ω3 fatty acids intake as well as its interest in the prevention or treatment of the above-mentioned pathologies.