Pilot study of the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on exhaled nitric oxide in patients with stable asthma.
BACKGROUND
The anti-inflammatory effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. The results of epidemiological studies suggest that fish consumption has a beneficial effect on lung function and prevalence of asthma. However, data from intervention trials have not revealed a beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation in patients with established disease.


OBJECTIVE
To study the effects of short-term n-3 PUFA supplementation in addition to maintenance therapy on exhaled nitric oxide in asthmatic patients.


METHODS
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken in 20 women with asthma. Patients received either a combination of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid plus 10 mg vitamin E or placebo twice daily for 2 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and the secondary outcomes were asthma control (score on theAsthma Control Questionnaire [ACQI) and lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]).


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed in FeNO, ACQ score, or FEV1 between patients receiving n-3 PUFA supplementation and those receiving placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFA in women with stable asthma was not associated with statistically significant changes in FeNO, asthma control, or lung function.
Moreira
A
A
Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. andremoreira@med.up.pt
Moreira
P
P
Delgado
L
L
Fonseca
J
J
Teixeira
V
V
Padrão
P
P
Castel-Branco
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D045853:Exhalation; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000032:analysis*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D009569:Nitric Oxide