Commercial canned fish species typical in the Italian market were evaluated for their lipid profile. Bluefin
tuna samples showed the highest content in omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) among the canned fish samples
analyzed. Tests on H9C2 cardiomyocytes revealed that bluefin tuna n-3 PUFA may responsible for a
significant cell protection against both physiological and doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress. Analogous
tests performed by incubating cardiac cells with n-3 PUFA ethyl esters, of which most of fish oil
pharmaceutical formulations (FOPF) are based, showed cytotoxicity at high doses. Our results highlighted
that n-3 PUFA contents in a 50 g canned bluefin tuna portion would be almost equivalent to and potentially
safer than those of 1 FOPF capsule (1000 mg)/die usually suggested for hyperlipidaemic subjects.
Thus, Italian commercial canned bluefin tuna could be indicated as a functional food with potential
health benefits for the prevention and care of cardiovascular disorders.