Fig. 1.

Molecular membrane interactions of omega-3 fatty acids. Schematic illustration of the proposed location and contrasting effects of EPA and DHA on membrane structure. The insertion of EPA and DHA affects distinct regions of the membrane lipid bilayer due to differences in their hydrocarbon length and number of double bonds. The longer hydrocarbon length of DHA leads to more rapid isomerization and conformational changes that result in increased membrane fluidity and promotion of cholesterol domains. EPA has a more stable and extended structure that contributes to membrane stability as well as inhibition of lipid oxidation and cholesterol domain formation. DHA, docosahexaenoic acid; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid. Reprinted with permission from Mason RP, Libby P, Bhatt DL. Emerging mechanisms of cardiovascular protection for the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020;40(5):1135–1147; www.ahajournals.org/journal/atvb[54].