title: Intakes of PUFAs were inversely associated with plasma C-reactive protein 12 years later in a middle-aged population with vitamin E intake as an effect modifier.
abstract: Although n-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered anti-inflammatory components, the role of dietary n-6 PUFAs in inflammation remains controversial. Some mechanistic evidence suggests vitamin E as a potential effect modifier in the relationship between PUFAs and inflammation. Our objectives were to evaluate the long-term associations between dietary intakes of PUFAs and elevated plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and to investigate potential effect modification by vitamin E. Individuals in the placebo group of the SU.VI.MAX trial who had available CRP measurements in 2007-2009 were included in the study (n = 843). Dietary intakes of n-3 PUFAs, n-6 PUFAs, and vitamin E were assessed in 1994-1996 with at least 6 dietary records. The logistic regression OR for elevated CRP (>3 mg/L) and 95% CI were estimated for individual PUFAs and for total n-3 and n-6 PUFA intakes. Models were adjusted for sociodemographical, lifestyle, anthropometric, and dietary variables. Interactions with vitamin E intakes were also assessed. Inverse associations were observed between intakes of total n-3 PUFAs [α-linolenic acid (ALA; 18:3n-3), ALA + eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3), EPA + docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; 22:5n-3), DPA + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3)] and n-6 PUFA [linoleic acid (18:2n-6) + arachidonic acid (20:4n-6)] and elevated CRP (OR for tertile 3 vs. tertile 1 of intake: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.77; P-trend = 0.01; and OR 0.38; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.70; P-trend = 0.002, respectively). Stratification on vitamin E intakes showed that inverse associations between dietary n-3 and n-6 PUFA intakes and elevated CRP were substantial only in individuals with low intakes of vitamin E. Our results supported the contention that intakes of both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are inversely associated with plasma CRP concentrations. Vitamin E is a potential effect modifier and should therefore be taken into account in such investigations. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00272428.
authors.affiliation: Inserm (National Institute of Health and Medical Research), U557 Nutritional Epidemiology Unit, Bobigny, France.
authors.forename: Chantal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Julia
authors.forename: Mathilde
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Touvier
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Meunier
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Papet
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Galan
authors.forename: Serge
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hercberg
authors.forename: Emmanuelle
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kesse-Guyot
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000886:Anthropometry; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D015930:Diet Records; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000517:prevention & control; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D014810:Vitamin E; D002097:C-Reactive Protein