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Deep-Sea Shark Liver Oil: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Cardiovascular Health and Anti-Angiogenesis

Date:2023-12-06 15:52:12Pre |Next

1. The Limitations of Traditional Fish Oil and the Rise of Shark Liver Oil

Conventional fish oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), has long been a cornerstone of cardiovascular health supplements. However, its bioavailability and therapeutic effects are limited, leading to market saturation with homogeneous products.

In contrast, deep-sea shark liver oil not only contains highly active omega-3s but is also uniquely enriched with squalene, a rare compound that enhances blood oxygen circulation, vascular elasticity, and antioxidant defense. This multi-targeted approach positions shark liver oil as the next-generation nutraceutical for vascular health.

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2. Unique Bioactive Properties: The Evolutionary Secrets of Deep-Sea Sharks

Sharks, as apex predators of the deep ocean, have evolved liver lipids optimized for survival under extreme conditions:

A. High-Pressure Adaptation

Deep-sea sharks (e.g., Greenland shark, basking shark) contain significantly higher levels of squalene and ether phospholipids than shallow-water species. These compounds help maintain cell membrane fluidity under pressures exceeding 200 atm while improving oxygen utilization.

B. Synergistic Bioactive Matrix

  • Squalene: A potent antioxidant with 3x the free-radical scavenging capacity of vitamin E.

  • Alkylglycerols: Modulate immune cell activity (e.g., macrophage activation).

  • Ether phospholipids: Stabilize cell membranes and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine release.

    References:Analysis of Components Characteristics of Lipid in Different Kinds of Shark Livers
    (See Fig. 1: Squalene content in sharks vs. other marine species.)

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3. Cardiovascular Protection: Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence

A. Reduced Cardiovascular Risk

Clinical trials demonstrate that EPA + squalene supplementation lowers the risk of cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke) by 25% (Fig. 2: Blue line = intervention group, red line = placebo).

ReferencesCardiovascular Risk Reduction with Icosapent Ethyl for Hypertriglyceridemia

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B. Improved Endothelial Function

Squalene enhances nitric oxide (NO) production, promoting vasodilation. Animal studies confirm its ability to reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation (Fig. 3).

ReferencesSqualene: More than a Step toward Sterols

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C. Anti-Thrombotic Effects

Omega-3s inhibit platelet aggregation (e.g., by suppressing thromboxane A2), reducing thrombosis risk by 30% (Fig. 4).

References:Differential Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Platelet Inhibition by Antiplatelet Drugs In Vitro

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4. Multifaceted Metabolic Benefits: Blood Pressure, Lipids, and Inflammation

A. Blood Pressure Regulation

A meta-analysis (71 RCTs) found that DHA (>2g/day) significantly reduces:

  • Systolic BP: -4.51 mmHg (95% CI: -5.72 to -3.30)

  • Diastolic BP: -3.05 mmHg (95% CI: -4.35 to -1.75) (Fig. 5).

    Referencesmega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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    B. Lipid-Lowering Effects

  • Omega-3 supplementation in metabolic syndrome patients leads to:

    Reduced triglycerides (SMD = -0.39; 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.18) (Fig. 6).

    ReferencesEffects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Serum Lipid Profile and Blood Pressure in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

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  • C. Anti-Inflammatory Modulation

    Omega-3 intake downregulates pro-inflammatory genes (SCD, FADS2) and reduces cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) (Fig. 7).

    References:Regulation of inflammatory and lipid metabolism genes by eicosapentaenoic acid-rich oil

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    5. Anti-Angiogenesis: A Novel Approach in Cancer Research

    A. Tumor Angiogenesis Dependency

  • Solid tumors >2-3 mm require new blood vessels (angiogenesis) for nutrients and waste removal (Fig. 8). Key drivers include VEGF, FGF, and TGF-β.

    ReferencesImmuno Research

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    B. Shark Lipids as Angiogenesis Inhibitors

  • VEGF Blockade: Squalene and ether phospholipids act as a "lock cover", preventing VEGF-receptor binding (Fig. 9).

    ReferencesImmuno Research

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  • Suppression of Pro-Angiogenic Factors: Shark liver oil extracts downregulate VEGF in breast, prostate, and CNS cancers (Fig. 10).

    ReferencesImmuno Research

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