The anti-atherogenic effects of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid are dependent on the stage of THP-1 macrophage differentiation

•LC n-3 PUFA specific effects on initial stages of atherosclerosis.•Investigation of effects on an early and late stage macrophage differentiation model.•Differentiation markers and scavenger receptors are more affected in early stages.•DHA can affect lipoprotein receptor levels in late stage differentiation.•LC n3/n6 PUFA decrease basal cholesterol levels in early stage macrophages.