title: Fish oil modifies lipids and reduces platelet aggregability in haemodialysis patients.
abstract: Haemodialysis patients have an exceptionally high incidence of death from cardiovascular causes, related in part to abnormalities of lipids and platelets. Eskimos, however, have a low incidence of myocardial infarction and have a high dietary intake of fish, rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. We have, therefore, studied the effect of a fish oil MaxEPA, containing 3.6 g of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid on lipids and platelet function in haemodialysis patients. Following 8 weeks of therapy there was a 35% fall in triglycerides, a 10% rise of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, a 36% rise of HDL2 cholesterol fraction and a 54% rise of the HDL2:HDL3 cholesterol ratio. The platelet aggregation to adenosine diphosphate and collagen was significantly reduced. The activated whole-blood clotting time was prolonged from 141 to 153 s, and 69% of patients showed a reduction of factor VIII related antigen which is usually elevated in haemodialysis patients and is thought to be a marker of endothelial damage. The blood pressure fell from 147/82 to 124/74. We have thus shown that a dietary supplement of eicosapentaenoic acid produces potentially beneficial effects on lipids, platelets, and blood pressure and may help to protect against atheroma and thus cardiovascular mortality in high-risk haemodialysis patients.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D004338:Drug Combinations; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects*; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D008055:Lipids; C045153:Maxepa; D014280:Triglycerides; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D002784:Cholesterol; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid