Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) are dietary components that have attracted considerable interest for their potential role in the prevention and cure of different chronic diseases (including cardiovascular, inflammatory, degenerative, and neoplastic diseases). It is believed that the beneficial pleiotropic effects of an increased intake of these fatty acids may be related to the suppression of the imbalance between the lack of ω-3 PUFAs consumption and the excess of ω-6 PUFAs existing in most Western diets. Considerable effort has been so far expended to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of such small and simple molecules. Such effects have been mainly related to the following: (1) their 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 (i.e., rafts) in the cells, thus modulating the activities of receptors, enzymes, and carriers located in these molecular “platforms”; (2) their metabolic conversion into highly potent bioactive lipids mediators (resolvins and protectins) showing proresolving and protective action towards inflammation and cell degeneration; (3) their ability to modulate the redox status of the cells, both acting as prooxidants or antioxidants. However, many doubts still exist regarding the optimal and safe dietary doses of ω-PUFAs, as well as 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 about the role of ω-PUFAs in human health as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

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

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/bmri/biochemistry/puf/ according to the following timetable: