Effect of n-3 fatty acids on carotid atherosclerosis and haemostasis in patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia: a double-blind pilot study in primary prevention.
BACKGROUND
Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) either from natural sources or dietary supplementation is inversely associated with atherothrombosis.


OBJECTIVE
A double-blind pilot study was designed to address the impact of n-3 PUFA on atherosclerosis, haemostasis and vascular status in patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia.


METHODS
Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), texture of intima-media complex (T-IMC), lipids and platelet function were evaluated in 64 patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia who received placebo or n-3 PUFA (6 g/day) for 2 years. C-IMT and T-IMC were assessed by B-mode ultrasound. Lipids and platelet function were determined by validated methods.


RESULTS
C-IMT increased in placebo, but not in n-3 PUFA group with respect to baseline. In contrast T-IMC decreased in n-3 PUFA, but not in placebo; in both cases, however, treatment effect did not reach statistical significance. A fall of triglycerides, concomitant to a rise of high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL and LDL), was observed in the active treated group. Platelet function was significantly reduced by n-3 PUFA.


CONCLUSIONS
Results show a favourable effectiveness of n-3 PUFA on IMT progression and T-IMC that deserves to be confirmed in larger studies. Despite the small sample size, the beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA on platelet function, triglycerides and HDL-C is clearly highlighted.
Baldassarre
Damiano
D
E. Grossi Paoletti Center, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. damiano.baldassarre@unimi.it
Amato
Mauro
M
Eligini
Sonia
S
Barbieri
Silvia S
SS
Mussoni
Luciana
L
Frigerio
Beatrice
B
Kozàkovà
Michaela
M
Tremoli
Elena
E
Sirtori
Cesare R
CR
Colli
Susanna
S
D000368:Aged; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000473:pathology
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008055:Lipids