title: Omega-3 fatty acids do not improve endothelial function in virologically suppressed HIV-infected men: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.
abstract: Omega-3 fatty acids decrease cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality possibly due to antiinflammatory effect. Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction likely play a role in the heightened CVD risk in HIV. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids primarily on endothelial function and inflammation in HIV-infected adults with moderate CVD risk on stable antiretroviral therapy. We conducted a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the effect of omega-3-acid ethyl esters 1 g twice a day. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, lipoproteins and markers of inflammation, endothelial activation, coagulation, and insulin resistance were measured at entry and week 24. There were no within- or between-group differences in change in FMD over 24 weeks (mean change in FMD -0.13% vs. 1.5% for treatment vs. placebo; p=0.21). There were no between-group differences in changes in lipoprotein levels or biomarkers tested, except soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-I, which favored omega-3-acid ethyl esters. Omega-3 fatty acids did not improve endothelial function or activation, coagulation, or insulin resistance in virologically suppressed, HIV-infected men with moderate CVD risk; however, inflammation tended to improve. This suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may not be potent enough to counteract the enhanced inflammation and endothelial dysfunction due to HIV and antiretrovirals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Corrilynn O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Hileman
authors.forename: Teresa L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Carman
authors.forename: Norma J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Storer
authors.forename: Danielle E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Labbato
authors.forename: Cynthia A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Grace A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: McComsey
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D001786:Blood Glucose; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D008074:Lipoproteins