Adipose tissue triglyceride fatty acids and atherosclerosis in Alaska Natives and non-Natives

An autopsy study using standardized methods to evaluate the extent of atherosclerosis and its risk factors, and analyses of stored triglyceride fatty acids was conducted in a sample of Alaska Native subjects and non-Native subjects living in Alaska. Findings indicate that Alaska Natives had less advanced atherosclerosis in coronary arteries, along with higher proportions of ω-3 and lower proportions of ω-6 PUFA in adipose tissue, than did non-Natives. We conclude that high dietary intake of ω-3 PUFA may account for the lower extent of coronary artery atherosclerosis, contributing to the reported lower heart disease mortality among Alaska Natives.