title: Dose-response effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids on apolipoproteins, apolipoprotein-defined lipoprotein subclasses, and Lp-PLA2 in individuals with moderate hypertriglyceridemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Apolipoprotein (apo) distribution and lipoprotein (Lp)-associated markers of inflammation, such as lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), influence the atherogenicity of circulating lipids and lipoproteins. Little evidence exists regarding the dose-response effects of the marine omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on apos, apo-defined Lps, and Lp-PLA2.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 0, 0.85, and 3.4 g/d of EPA + DHA on Lp-PLA2 mass and activity in individuals with moderate hypertriglyceridemia. We also measured effects on concentrations of apoAI, apoAII, apoB, apoC, apoD, and apoE-defined Lp subclasses.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a randomized, doubleblind, crossover design with 8-week treatment periods and 6-week washout periods. During the 3 treatment periods, subjects (n = 25) received 0 g/d EPA + DHA, 0.85 g/d EPA + DHA (low dose), and 3.4 g/d EPA + DHA (high dose) in random order.
  
  
  RESULTS
  apoB and apoC-III were significantly decreased by the high dose relative to placebo and low dose (P < .01), as was very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .005). The low dose had no effect on Lp outcomes compared with placebo. The high- and low-dose effects differed significantly for heparin-precipitated apoC-III, LpB, LpA-I, and apoB/apoA-I ratio (P < .05). There was a trend for a decreased Lp-PLA2 mass with the high dose (P = .1).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The effects of 3.4 g/d EPA + DHA on apoB and apoC-III may reduce atherosclerotic plaque progression in individuals with elevated triglycerides.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA. Electronic address: aus164@psu.edu.
authors.forename: Ann C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Skulas-Ray
authors.affiliation: Lipid and Lipoprotein Laboratory, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: Petar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Alaupovic
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Penny M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Kris-Etherton
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Sheila G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: West
mesh_terms: D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase / Q000097:blood*; D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I / Q000097:blood*; D053305:Apolipoprotein C-III / Q000097:blood*; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000097:blood*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D016632:Apolipoprotein A-I; D053305:Apolipoprotein C-III; D001055:Apolipoproteins B; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D043203:1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase; C526684:PLA2G7 protein, human
keywords: Apolipoproteins; Docosahexaenoic acid; Eicosapentaenoic acid; Fish oil; Lipoproteins; Lp-PLA(2); Omega-3; Triglycerides