The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms and inflammatory markers in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2014 Jun;70(6):655-65. doi: 10.1007/s00228-014-1666-1. Epub 2014 Mar 20.

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on depression and chronic inflammation in hemodialysis patients.

Method: Fifty-four maintenance hemodialysis patients were randomized to ingest two omega-3 (each containing 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid) or placebo capsules, three times daily for 4 months.

Main outcome measures: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, ferritin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and ratios of IL-10 to IL-6 and IL-10 to TNF-α were measured at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results: Omega-3 supplement lowered BDI score significantly after 4 months of intervention. Among pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, only serum ferritin level and IL-10 to IL-6 ratio showed significant changes in favor of omega-3 supplement during the study. In linear regression model adjusted for baseline values, omega-3 treatment was a significant predictor of reduced serum CRP, ferritin, and iPTH levels, and increased IL-10 to IL-6 ratio. No significant association was found between the anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects of omega-3 supplement.

Conclusions: Supplemental use of omega-3 fatty acids decreases depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients apart from their anti-inflammatory effects.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • C-Reactive Protein / analysis
  • Depression / prevention & control*
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Combinations
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / adverse effects
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / chemistry
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukins / blood
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / immunology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / psychology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Renal Dialysis* / psychology
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / blood

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Biomarkers
  • Drug Combinations
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Interleukins
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • C-Reactive Protein