Treatment with omega-3 fatty acid ethyl-ester alters fatty acid composition of lipoproteins in overweight or obese adults with insulin resistance

Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2014 Feb-Mar;90(2-3):69-75. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2013.12.003. Epub 2013 Dec 18.

Abstract

Introduction: The effects of dietary fatty acid supplementation on lipoprotein fatty acid composition have rarely been described.

Patients and methods: Sixty-one overweight and obese adults with dyslipidemia and insulin resistance were randomized to placebo, 2g/day extended-release nicotinic acid (ERN), 4g/day prescription omega-3 fatty acid ethyl ester (P-OM3), or combination therapy for 16 weeks. Lipoprotein fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography pre- and post-treatment.

Results: Treatment with P-OM3 or combination, but not ERN, increased proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and docosapentaenoic acid, and reduced those for arachidonic acid in all lipoprotein fractions, with greatest impact in the high-density lipoprotein fraction. P-OM3-induced changes in eicosapentaenoic acid within low-density lipoproteins and very low-density lipoproteins were associated with beneficial effects on mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure.

Conclusions: P-OM3 supplementation, with or without ERN, was associated with differentially altered lipoprotein fatty acid composition and improved blood pressure parameters.

Keywords: AA; DHA; EPA; Fish oil; HDL; LA; LDL; Nicotinic acid; VLDL.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Ethyl Ethers / pharmacology
  • Ethyl Ethers / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Insulin Resistance*
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Lipoproteins / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / diet therapy
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Overweight / diet therapy
  • Overweight / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ethyl Ethers
  • Fatty Acids
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Lipoproteins