Nanomedicine-based formulations containing ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: potential application in cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases

Simona Serini,1,2,* Roberta Cassano,3,* Sonia Trombino,3 Gabriella Calviello1,2 1Institute of General Pathology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy; 2Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A, Gemelli 00168 Roma, Italy; 3Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, Università della Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) are dietary factors involved in the prevention of cardiovascular, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. A multidisciplinary approach – based on recent findings in nutritional science, lipid biochemistry, biotechnology, and biology of inflammation and cancer – has been recently employed to develop ω-3 PUFA-containing nanoformulations with an aim to protect these fatty acids from degradation, increase their bioavailability and delivery to target tissues, and, thus, enhance their bioactivity. In some cases, these nanoformulations were designed to administer ω-3 PUFAs in combination with other nutraceuticals or conventional/innovative drugs. The aim of this strategy was to increase the activities of the compounds contained in the nanoformulation and to reduce the adverse effects often induced by drugs. We herein analyze the results of papers evaluating the potential use of ω-3 PUFA-containing nanomaterials in fighting cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Future directions in this field of research are also provided. Keywords: innovative biotechnologies, cardiovascular diseases, nanoparticles, ω-3 PUFAs, cancer &nbsp