[Polyunsaturated fatty acids, atherosclerosis and thrombosis].

This article is a short update of the role played by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in atherosclerosis and thrombosis, with special reference to the interactions between the platelets and endothelium. The n-3 family of fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acids (22:6n-3), seem to be beneficial in the prevention of these diseases.