Omega-3 fatty acids and lipoprotein associated phospholipase A(2) in healthy older adult males and females.
OBJECTIVE
Lipoprotein associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) is a novel inflammatory factor that has been independently associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Omega-3 fats have been implicated in reducing inflammation associated with CVD. The aim of this study was to determine if an 8-week isocaloric diet supplemented with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) in the form of fish oil or α-linolenic acid (ALA) in the form of flaxseed oil would alter Lp-PLA(2) among healthy adults ages 50 years and older.


METHODS
Fifty-nine healthy adults (~75% female, average age 61 years) were randomized to one of three groups with equal amounts of total fat intake. All capsules contained ~1 g of fat. The control group (n = 19) consumed olive oil capsules (~11 g/day); the ALA group (n = 20) consumed flaxseed oil capsules (~11 g/day) and the EPA/DHA group (n = 20) consumed fish oil capsules (~2 g/day + 9 g/day of olive oil). Fasting blood samples were obtained before and after the 8-week intervention for determination of Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity as well as lipid values.


RESULTS
We did not find any significant changes in Lp-PLA(2) mass or activity after the intervention in any of the groups; however, change in oxidized LDL was associated with change in Lp-PLA(2) mass (r = 0.37, p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Supplementing the diet with omega-3 fatty acids for 8-weeks did not influence Lp-PLA(2) activity or mass among older adults; altering oxidized LDL may be necessary to see changes in Lp-PLA(2) levels.
Nelson
T L
TL
Human Performance Clinical/Research Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. tnelson@cahs.colostate.edu
Hokanson
J E
JE
Hickey
M S
MS
D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / Q000097:blood*; D000368:Aged; D004032:Diet; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008043:Linseed Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism
D005395:Fish Oils; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010938:Plant Oils; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D008043:Linseed Oil; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase