Fish oil (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids beneficially affect biliary cholesterol nucleation time in obese women losing weight.
It has been reported that intake of (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and decreases biliary cholesterol saturation in the bile of gallstone patients. We investigated the effect of n-3 PUFA on cholesterol saturation index (CSI) and nucleation time (NT) in obese subjects who were losing weight. This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Obese women (n = 35) with a body mass index (BMI) > or = 30 kg/m(2), with no prior history of gallstones or cholecystectomy by ultrasound were first studied to ensure absence of stones or biliary sludge. The women were then assigned to a hypocaloric regimen [5.02 MJ (1200 kcal)/d] and to receive 1200 mg/d of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), 11.3 g/d of (n-3) PUFA or a placebo for 6 wk. BMI, CSI and NT were recorded at baseline and at the end of the experimental period. BMI decreased 5.75 +/- 2.7%/mo (range, 1.5-12.42%/mo) during the experiment. The CSI did not change in any of the groups. Cholesterol NT decreased significantly in the UDCA and placebo groups, but not in the (n-3) PUFA group. None of the women had developed gallstones at 6 wk. These results suggest that (n-3) PUFA maintain the CSI and NT in obese women during rapid weight loss, which probably results in the prevention of cholesterol gallstone formation.
Méndez-Sánchez
N
N
Department of Biomedical Research, Medica Sur Clinic and Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico. nmendez@medicasur.org.mx
González
V
V
Aguayo
P
P
Sánchez
J M
JM
Tanimoto
M A
MA
Elizondo
J
J
Uribe
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001646:Bile / Q000378:metabolism*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000502:physiology*; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D015431:Weight Loss
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D002784:Cholesterol