Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( ω-3 PUFA) are dietary components that have attracted considerable interest for their potential role in the prevention and cure of different chronic diseases. It is believed that their increased intake may overcome the imbalance between the lack of ω-3 PUFA consumption and the excess of ω-6 PUFA existing in most diets. A number of molecular mechanisms have been proposed to explain their effects: (1) incorporation into cell membranes phospholipids, where they may substitute the ω-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (AA) and prevent the formation of AA-derived bioactive compounds with proinflammatory and procarcinogen potential; moreover, they may alter the physical-chemical properties of lipid membrane microdomains in the cells, and modulate the activities of receptors, enzymes, and carriers located there; (2) metabolic conversion into highly potent bioactive lipids mediators with proresolving and protective action towards inflammation and cell degeneration; (3) modulation of cell redox status.

However, also due to recent clinical data, many doubts still exist regarding the magnitude of these effects in the clinic, as well as regarding optimal and safe dietary doses of ω-PUFA, and concerning the safety and bioavailability of their sources.

We invite investigators to contribute original research and review articles that could help in broadening the current knowledge on the role of ω-3 PUFA in human health and the molecular mechanisms underlying their effects.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• ω-3 PUFA and inflammation
• ω-3 PUFA and immune function
• ω-3 PUFA and cardiovascular diseases
• ω-3 PUFA and the metabolic syndrome
• ω-3 PUFA in brain development and diseases
• ω-3 PUFA and learning memory
• ω-3 PUFA and Alzheimer’s disease
• ω-3 PUFA and aging
• ω-3 PUFA and cancer
• ω-3 PUFA and membrane microdomains
• ω-3 PUFA-derived bioactive lipid mediator
• ω-3 PUFA receptors and sensors
• ω-3 PUFA and the regulation of gene expression
• ω-3 PUFA dietary recommendations
• Novel sources of ω-3 PUFA
• Safety and biodistribution of ω -3 PUFA