Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid therapy on plasma inflammatory markers and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in elderly patients with chronic heart failure.
Several previous studies have suggested that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) can exert favourable effects in patients with heart failure, but the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate the effects of n-3 PUFA on circulating inflammatory markers and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in patients with heart failure. Seventy-six patients with heart failure were randomly assigned to receive 2 g/day of n-3 PUFA or placebo for 3 months. Treatment with n-3 PUFA significantly decreased plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and NT-proBNP. Left ventricular ejection fraction showed a small, non-significant improvement. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels decreased significantly in smokers after n-3 PUFA treatment. Thus, n-3 PUFA can reduce levels of plasma inflammatory markers and NT-proBNP as biomarkers of risk stratification in patients with heart failure. n-3 PUFA may offer a novel therapy for heart failure.
Department of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
Y T
YT
Zhao
L
L
Shao
L L
LL
Teng
B
B
Hu
Y
Y
Luo
X
X
Yu
D F
DF
Zhang
H
H
Zhang
D000368:Aged; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D010919:Placebos; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D010919:Placebos; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; D002097:C-Reactive Protein