The n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid increase systemic arterial compliance in humans.
BACKGROUND
n-3 Fatty acids influence vascular function, but the effect of individual fatty acids on systemic arterial compliance (SAC) has not been reported. SAC, which reflects arterial elasticity, is emerging as a new cardiovascular risk factor and appears to predict future cardiovascular events.


OBJECTIVE
We tested whether the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improve SAC in dyslipidemic subjects.


METHODS
Thirty-eight dyslipidemic subjects were randomly assigned to receive 3 g EPA/d (n = 12), 3 g DHA/d (n = 12), or a placebo (n = 14) in a 7-wk parallel, double-blind trial. Arterial functions were measured at the beginning and end of the interventions. Plasma lipids and plasma fatty acids were also measured.


RESULTS
Consumption of the n-3 fatty acids significantly increased SAC, whereas consumption of the placebo did not (P = 0.043; repeated-measures analysis of variance across the 3 groups); the increase was 36% with EPA and 27% with DHA. The major components contributing to the increase in SAC (systolic and pulse pressures and total vascular resistance) tended to decrease but not significantly. Plasma total and VLDL triacylglycerol were significantly lower in the n-3 fatty acid groups (P = 0.026 and 0.006, respectively; repeated-measures analysis of variance) than in the placebo group.


CONCLUSIONS
EPA and DHA increase SAC and tend to reduce pulse pressure and total vascular resistance, effects that may reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Nestel
Paul
P
Laboratory of Cardiovascular Nutrition, Baker Medical Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia. paul.nestel@baker.edu.au
Shige
Hideki
H
Pomeroy
Sylvia
S
Cehun
Marja
M
Abbey
Mavis
M
Raederstorff
Daniel
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D002784:Cholesterol