Effect of sex and genotype on cardiovascular biomarker response to fish oils: the FINGEN Study.
BACKGROUND
The lipid-modulatory effects of high intakes of the fish-oil fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are well established and likely to contribute to cardioprotective benefits.


OBJECTIVE
We aimed to determine the effect of moderate EPA and DHA intakes (<2 g EPA+DHA/d) on the plasma fatty acid profile, lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations, lipoprotein subclass distribution, and markers of oxidative status. We also aimed to examine the effect of age, sex, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on the observed responses.


METHODS
Three hundred twelve adults aged 20-70 y, who were prospectively recruited according to age, sex, and APOE genotype, completed a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants consumed control oil, 0.7 g EPA+DHA/d (0.7FO), and 1.8 g EPA+DHA/d (1.8FO) capsules in random order, each for an 8-wk intervention period, separated by 12-wk washout periods.


RESULTS
In the group as a whole, 8% and 11% lower plasma triacylglycerol concentrations were evident after 0.7FO and 1.8FO, respectively (P < 0.001): significant sex x treatment (P = 0.038) and sex x genotype x treatment (P = 0.032) interactions were observed, and the greatest triacylglycerol-lowering responses (reductions of 15% and 23% after 0.7FO and 1.8FO, respectively) were evident in APOE4 men. Furthermore, lower VLDL-cholesterol (P = 0.026) and higher LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.010), HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001), and HDL2 (P < 0.001) concentrations were evident after fish-oil intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
Supplements providing EPA+DHA at doses as low as 0.7 g/d have a significant effect on the plasma lipid profile. The results of the current trial, which used a prospective recruitment approach to examine the responses in population subgroups, are indicative of a greater triacylglycerol-lowering action of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in males than in females.
Caslake
Muriel J
MJ
Department of Vascular Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Miles
Elizabeth A
EA
Kofler
Bettina M
BM
Lietz
Georg
G
Curtis
Peter
P
Armah
Christopher K
CK
Kimber
Alan C
AC
Grew
Jilly P
JP
Farrell
Lesley
L
Stannard
Julie
J
Napper
Frances L
FL
Sala-Vila
Aleix
A
West
Annette L
AL
Mathers
John C
JC
Packard
Christopher
C
Williams
Christine M
CM
Calder
Philip C
PC
Minihane
Anne M
AM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001053:Apolipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis*; D004032:Diet; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis*; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009821:Oils / Q000737:chemistry*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D006113:United Kingdom
D001053:Apolipoproteins; D015415:Biomarkers; D005227:Fatty Acids; D005230:Fatty Acids, Nonesterified; D005395:Fish Oils; D008074:Lipoproteins; D009821:Oils