Effect of diet or very long chain omega-3 fatty acids on progression of atherosclerosis, evaluated by carotid plaques, intima-media thickness and by pulse wave propagation in elderly men with hypercholesterolaemia.
BACKGROUND
This randomized study targeted a comparison of the effect of 3-year diet counselling or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation (2.4 g/day) on the progression of atherosclerosis in carotid arteries and on finger pulse wave propagation.


METHODS
Measurements were assessed by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound and a photopletysmographic finger pulse-sensor, respectively. Altogether, 563 elderly men with long-standing hyperlipidaemia were randomized into four groups: controls (no dietary counselling and placebo); dietary counselling (and placebo); omega-3 PUFA supplementation (no dietary counselling); dietary counselling and omega-3 PUFA supplementation.


RESULTS
In the diet only group, the carotid intima-media thickness increase (0.929 to 0.967 mm) was significantly less than in the control group (0.909 to 0.977 mm), (P = 0.018). Significant increase in carotid plaques score and plaques area were observed in all four groups, but without between group differences. Changes in carotid intima-media thickness and in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were negatively correlated (adjusted P < 0.001). Pulse wave propagation time decreased significantly in the control group (206 to 198 ms; P = 0.002), reflecting reduced arterial elasticity. In the group receiving omega-3 PUFA only, pulse wave propagation time increased significantly when compared with the control group (P = 0.013).


CONCLUSIONS
Reduced progression in carotid intima-media thickness was observed after dietary counselling, whereas omega-3 PUFA supplementation imposed a favourable effect on arterial elasticity.
Hjerkinn
Elsa M
EM
Centre for Clinical Research, Ullevaal University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. elsah.jerkinn@ulleval.no
Abdelnoor
Michael
M
Breivik
Liv
L
Bergengen
Lise
L
Ellingsen
Ingrid
I
Seljeflot
Ingebjørg
I
Aase
Ottar
O
Ole Klemsdal
Tor
T
Hjermann
Ingvar
I
Arnesen
Harald
H
D000368:Aged; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D018450:Disease Progression; D002149:Energy Intake; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000178:diet therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology*
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3