*Researcher, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Sweden; and the †Professor, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Uppsala, Sweden
Chief Editor’s Note: This article is the 29th of 36 that will be published in 2004 for which a total of up to 36 Catgory 1 CME credits can be earned. Instructions for how credits can be earned appear on the last page of the Table of Contents. This CME activity is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Procter & Gamble.
Reprint requests to: Professor Tom Saldeen, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Uppsala, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 17, 75237, Uppsala, Sweden. Email: [email protected].
Dr. Pia Saldeen has disclosed no significant financial or other relationship with any commercial entity.
Dr. Tom Saldeen has disclosed that he receives grant-research support from MSD and Cardinova.
Editor’s Note: Antioxidants, of which omega-3 fatty acids are prominent examples, have attracted a great deal of attention from the public, clinicians, nutritionists, and investigators. In this review, the authors focus on the role of omega-3 fatty acids in a variety of physiological and pathologic aspects of women’s health. A number of the studies discussed demonstrate a causal relationshipbetween omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those in fish oils, and the disorders discussed. Other studies mentioned demonstrate a strong association between fatty acids and these disorders, and still others point to plausible hypotheses that pave the way for definitive studies.
As the authors note, omega-3 fatty acids are constituents of all of the body’s cell membranes and serve as precursors of eicosanoids, locally produced hormones that are involved in a wide array of preventive and therapeutic modalities. Thus, this thoughtful and informative review warrants our readers’ interest and attention—RBJ.
