C-reactive protein and n-3 fatty acids in patients with a previous myocardial infarction: a placebo-controlled randomized study.
BACKGROUND
Dietary intake of the marine long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may reduce mortality after a myocardial infarction (MI). This may partly be attributed to their anti-inflammatory properties.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of n-3 PUFA on C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with a previous MI.


METHODS
In a double-blind design, forty-one patients (mean age 63 +/- 7 years) were randomized to receive daily supplements with 5.2 g of n-3 PUFA or olive oil (control). Serum CRP was measured with a highly sensitive assay (hs-CRP) before and after 12 weeks supplements. Compliance was monitored by measuring the incorporation of n-3 PUFA into platelets.


RESULTS
The content of n-3 PUFA in platelets increased significantly in the n-3 PUFA supplemented group, whereas no changes were seen in controls. There was a minor increase in hs-CRP in the n-3 PUFA group (2.46 vs. 2.70 mg/l) and a small decrease in hs-CRP in the control group (2.52 vs. 1.67 mg/l). The changes, however, were not statistically significant (P = 0.30 and 0.43, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Supplementation with 5.2 g of n-3 PUFA for 12 weeks had no hs-CRP lowering effect in patients with a previous MI.
Madsen
Trine
T
Dept. of Cardiology, Aalborg Hospital, PO Box 365, 9100 Aalborg, Denmark. tmadsen@dadlnet.dk
Christensen
Jeppe H
JH
Schmidt
Erik B
EB
D000368:Aged; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000737:chemistry*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010938:Plant Oils; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils; D002097:C-Reactive Protein