Dr. Mohammed Moghadasian
Principal Investigator, Pathology Research Laboratory
Canadian Centre for Agri-food Research in Health and Medicine
In Detail
Dr. Mohammed Moghadasian is interested in the therapeutic potential of phytosterols and other functional foods and nutraceuticals. His primary research emphasis will be to examine the efficacy of phytosterols on experimental models of cardiovascular disease (CVD). He is interested in the combined effects of phytosterols and n-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed. He is also interested in examining the interactions between phytosterols drugs commonly used in cardiovascular patients. He is also developing heart transplant models to test the efficacy of dietary agents on graft function.
It is widely accepted that different types of fatty acids elicit specific physiological and biochemical responses in the body. Currently, Canadians are consuming a diet high in n-6 fatty acids and low in n-3 fatty acids, which could be contributing to the increased incidence of CVD and cancer. Many studies have suggested that consumption of adequate amounts of dietary n-3 fatty acids may decrease risk of CVD. N-3 fatty acids from either fish oil or flaxseed oil may reduce cardiovascular risk through several mechanisms including reductions in circulating lipid levels, alleviating the state of inflammation, and improving heart beat rhythms.
Specific oils low in n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratio may reduce cardiovascular risks
This study aims to demonstrate the cardiovascular benefit from diets low in ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids. Humans need both n-6 and n-3 fatty acids for normal body function and development. Major sources of n-3 fatty acids are fish oil and flaxseed oil, while most of vegetable oils are rich in n-6 fatty acids. Human studies have shown an increased risk of CVD in subjects who consume high amounts of dietary n-6 fatty acids and low amounts of n-3 fatty acids. Therefore, current recommendations suggest increasing intake of foods rich in n-3 fatty acids such as fish and flaxseed oil. With this regard, we are investigating overall cardiovascular benefits of diets supplemented with special oils low in n-6 and high in n-3 fatty acids in experimental animals.
Plant derived substances may benefit transplant patients
Dr. Moghadasian’s research team has extended their research activities to investigate whether dietary agents such as flaxseed oil or plant sterols may reduce toxicity and increase efficacy of commonly used drugs in heart transplant subjects. One of these drugs is cyclosporine which can increase blood lipid levels and adversely affect graft function over time. Current research activities in Dr. Moghadasian’s laboratory investigate how plant sterols or flaxseed oil may interact with cyclosporine in rats after heart transplant procedures.
For more information, please contact:
Dr. Mohammed Moghadasian
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