类风湿关节炎患者深海鱼油补充干预效果评价

目的 了解深海鱼油对类风湿关节炎(RA)患者临床症状、血沉等指标的影响.方法 将确诊为RA的60例患者随机分为大豆油和深海鱼油组,干预12周,干预期间对所有研究对象进行膳食干预,观察干预前后患者相关指标变化情况,并进行统计分析.结果 干预前2组脂肪酸摄入量比较,差异无统计学意义,干预后2组脂肪酸摄入量比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);干预后,2组亚油酸摄入量分别为(8.99±0.73)、(11.89±1.05)g,α-亚麻酸分别为(2.18±0.26)、(1.79±0.05)g,二十碳五烯酸(EPA)分别为(1.86±0.12)、(0.07±0.12)g,二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)分别为(1.31±0.20)、(0.10±0.18)g,n-6多不饱和脂肪酸分别为(9.80±1.80)、(13.20±2.69)g,n-3多不饱和脂肪酸分别为(5.81±1.99)、(2.68±1.56)g,n-6/n-3多不饱和脂肪酸分别为(1.76±0.34):1、(5.86±2.06):1,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);2组干预前后VAS、DAS28评分差值比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);与干预前比较,干预后深海鱼油组血沉下降明显(P=0.005);2组干预前后血沉差值比较,差异有统计学意义(Z=313.5,P=0.044);2组干预前后C反应蛋白(CRP)差值间差异无统计学意义(Z=387.5,P=0.359),但深海鱼油组CRP干预后比干预前下降(Z=-2.512,P=0.031),较大豆油组下降明显(Z=-1.029,P=0.304);干预前后血糖差值比较,差异无统计学意义(t=0.7,P=0.512).结论 深海鱼油(每天1.8 g EPA⁺1.2 g DHA)干预RA患者12周,可改善RA患者病情.     

鱼油补充对中老年人血清多不饱和脂肪酸构成脂联素水平及抗氧化能力影响的随机对照研究

目的探讨不同剂量鱼油补充对中老年人血清多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFA)构成、脂联素水平及抗氧化能力的影响。方法以240名45~70岁中老年人为对象,随机分成对照组(不服鱼油),鱼油低、中、高剂量组[分别每日服1、2、4粒鱼油胶囊(每粒含182mg EPA+129mg DHA)]4组,干预12w,干预前后进行问卷调查、体格测量并采集空腹静脉血。测定血清脂肪酸、脂联素、血糖、丙二醛(MDA)、总超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)含量。结果 201人完成试验。干预前对象的基线资料及血清学指标组间无差异;干预后对照组各指标无明显变化,鱼油各组血清二十碳五烯酸(EPA)、二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)及n-3 PUFA显著上升,高于对照组(P0.05),n-6/n-3PUFA则均低于对照组(P0.05);干预后鱼油中、高剂量组血清脂联素显著上升,血糖显著下降,与对照组相比有统计学差异(P0.05);血清MDA明显下降;各鱼油组总SOD及GSH-Px含量显著上升,中剂量组的GSH-Px及高剂量组的总SOD、GSH-Px均高于对照组(P0.05)。结论一定剂量鱼油补充可显著升高中老年人血清EPA、DHA、脂联素、总SOD及GSH-Px水平并降低n-6/n-3PUFA、血糖及MDA含量,以高剂量组(1.24g/d)最为明显。     

膳食炎症指数评分改变与类风湿关节炎疾病活动度的关系

目的 探讨膳食炎症指数(dietary inflammation index, DII)评分与类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis, RA)疾病活动度的关系。方法 采用食物频率问卷表(food frequency questionnaire, FFQ),调查RA患者(129例)及健康对照者(131例)3月内的饮食摄入情况,计算DII,使用28处关节疾病活动性评估-红细胞沉降率(DAS28-ESR)评估RA患者的疾病活动度。将病情稳定的118例RA患者随机分为两组,一组行地中海饮食干预4月,另一组常规饮食,计算DII和DAS28-ESR。结果 RA患者的DII评分高于健康对照组(P=0.011)。在RA患者中,DII评分与疾病活动度无显著相关性(P>0.05);DII评分的抗炎变化与维持2年内的低疾病活动性相关(OR=7.17,95%CI:2.53～20.28,P<0.001)。干预4个月后,地中海饮食组DII评分和DAS28-ESR评分较前均降低,DAS28-ESR评分较常规饮食组亦有降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 RA患者饮食的促炎...     

鱼油补充对中老年人血脂及炎性因子影响的随机对照研究

<正>高脂血症是中老年人群常见的慢性疾病,患者常伴有慢性炎症反应,有效降低中老年人血脂及炎性因子水平有助于防治血脂代谢紊乱及其相关疾病。深海鱼油富含二十碳五烯酸(EPA)和二十二碳六烯酸(DHA),研究显示EPA、DHA在调节血脂方面有良好效果[1-2],鱼油补充可下调机体的炎症反应[3],但相关结论尚有争议。本次研究以     

抗环瓜氨酸肽(CCP)抗体与类风湿关节炎病情活动度及关节损害的关系探讨

目的:分析抗环瓜氨酸肽(CCP)抗体对类风湿关节炎(RA)的诊断和评估意义,探讨抗CCP抗体与RA的病情活动度、关节侵蚀的关系。方法:用ELISA检测32例RA患者血清和关节液中的抗CCP抗体,并测定类湿因子(RF),记录RA患者的一些临床参数。对检测结果及临床参数进行统计分析。结果:抗CCP抗体阳性组与阴性组相比,年龄、关节肿胀个数、关节疼痛个数、DAS28、血沉及CRP等没有显著性差异(P0.05);类风湿因子的阳性率在两组间的差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。抗CCP抗体与年龄、关节肿胀个数、关节疼痛个数、DAS28、ESR和CRP等相关无显著性差异;抗CCP抗体与RF因子呈明显相关(r=0.639,P=0.001)。DAS28评分与关节肿胀个数、关节疼痛个数、DAS28、ESR和CRP显著相关,与年龄因素呈正相关,与类风湿因子的相关无统计学意义。结论:抗CCP抗体对RA的预后有一定的评估作用。     

多不饱和脂肪酸对小鼠瘦素表达的影响

目的探讨多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFAs)对瘦素表达的影响。方法使用4w龄C57BL/6J雌性小鼠,分别给予不同种类高脂饲料(18%脂肪,供能比为36%)喂养-高脂豆油饲料、高脂鱼油饲料和高脂豆油:鱼油(5:1)混合饲料,以正常饲料(6%脂肪来自豆油,供能比为12%)为对照,小鼠自由进食,喂养时间为4个月。同时进行了PUFAs对体外培养3T3-L1细胞分化的干预实验,在细胞被诱导分化D5,在培养基中分别加入油酸(OA,C18:1n-9)、花生四烯酸(AA,C20:4n-6)、二十碳五烯酸(EPA,C20:5n-3)和二十二碳六烯酸(DHA,22:6n-3,0.125mmol/L)培养12h。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)观察小鼠血浆和细胞培养基中瘦素及瘦素受体(sOB-R)表达的变化。结果鱼油组、豆油:鱼油组以及豆油组之间血浆瘦素水平(15.97±1.41,10.37±0.98和5.81±2.95μg/L)均存在显著性差异(鱼油>豆油:鱼油>豆油);与正常对照组(14.96±6.62μg/L)比,鱼油组血浆瘦素水平未发生明显变化。血浆sOB-R水平在4组饲料之间未见显著性差异。细胞培养显示,与对照组(18.70±0.67μg/gprot)比,在培养基中加入EPA和DHA后瘦素表达量(30.19±7.11和28.18±4.87μg/gprot)明显增多;而加入OA和AA对瘦素表达(19.75±6.11和24.48±9.84μg/gprot)无影响。值得注意的是,未能检测到细胞培养基中sOB-R的表达。结论饲料PUFAs对小鼠瘦素表达具有调节功能,但鱼油n-3PUFAs和豆油n-6PUFAs的作用不同。     

抗CCP抗体在类风湿关节炎早期诊断中的意义及与病情相关性分析

目的:探究抗瓜氨酸多肽(CCP)抗体作为类风湿关节炎(RA)早期诊断指标的灵敏度和特异性。方法:选取80例类风湿关节炎患者为实验组,80例非类风湿关节炎患者为对照组,检测患者血清中的抗CCP抗体和类风湿因子(RF),比较两者在RA与非RA阳性检出率的差异。利用DAS28软件对RA患者进行DAS28评估并分析其与抗CCP抗体水平的相关性。结果:RF与抗CCP抗体对RA的灵敏度分别为70.4%和67.9%,无统计学差异(P>0.05),其特异性分别为72.3%和94.8%差异显著(P<0.05);抗CCP抗体的水平与RA患者的DAS28得分相关度R=0.913,两者高度相关。结论:抗CCP抗体作为RA的早期诊断指标具有较高的特异性,适于作为临床诊断指标。     

饮食n-3脂肪酸对小鼠脑脂类中多不饱和脂肪酸构成的影响

【目的】观察饮食鱼油n-3多不饱和脂肪酸(n-3 PUFAs)对脑内不同脂类中PUFAs构成的影响。【方法】使用C57BL/6J雌性小鼠,在胎儿期和幼年期分别给予不同种类高脂饲料(18%脂肪,供能比为36%)喂养-高脂豆油饲料、高脂鱼油饲料和高脂豆油:鱼油(5∶1)混合饲料,以正常饲料(6%脂肪来自豆油,供能比为12%)为对照,时间为4个月。采用薄层层析分离脑组织中各主要脂类成份,然后采用甲酯化-气相色谱分析对各脂类成份中的脂肪酸进行测定。【结果】鱼油饲料喂养改变了小鼠脑内主要脂类中PUFAs的构成。在磷脂中,虽然5种PUFAs在各饲料组之间差异均无显著性(P>0.05),但二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)/花生四烯酸(AA)(1.94±0.41)以及n-3/n-6 PUFAs比值(2.31±0.75)在鱼油组较其它三组显著升高(P<0.05);在甘油一和二酯中,与豆油组相比,鱼油组和豆油:鱼油混合组LA含量(0.31±0.09%,0.65±0.58%)降低,而鱼油组DHA/AA(2.60±1.66)以及n-3/n-6 PUFAs比值(2.31±0.75)升高(P<0.05);在甘油三酯中,与豆油组相比,鱼油组和豆油:鱼油混合组AA含量(1.62±0.53%,1.12±0.36%)和EPA含量(0.98±0.58%,1.34±0.31%)显著降低,而DHA/AA比值(1.14±0.21,1.46±0.58)升高(P<0.05),但DHA含量在三组之间无差异(P>0.05);在游离脂肪酸中,5种PUFAs在各饲料组之间无差异(P>0.05)。【结论】饮食鱼油n-3 PUFAs摄入增多虽然不影响脑内DHA的聚积,但改变了DHA/AA以及n-3/n-6PUFAs的比值。甘油酯类可能是脑摄取、聚积DHA的主要直接来源之一。     

DMARDs早期干预及治疗依从性对类风湿关节炎患者预后的影响

目的探讨缓解病情抗风湿药物(disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs,DMARDs)早期干预及治疗依从性对类风湿关节炎(rheumatoid arthritis,RA)患者预后的影响。方法收集2014年6月-2015年6月泰州市人民医院风湿免疫科收治的符合纳入标准的200例RA患者,将研究对象分为早期干预组(观察组)和晚期干预组(对照组),各100例。对所有研究对象进行为期3年的电话随访,每3个月询问一次用药情况。随访结束时,采用疾病活动评分量表(DAS28)、健康评估问卷-残疾指数(HAQ-DI)、Larsen评分、SF-36健康自评量表评价患者预后情况。结果两组患者性别、年龄、户口、受教育程度、病程、类风湿因子差异均无统计学意义(P0.05),但两组DMARDs治疗依从性具有显著统计学差异(P0.05)。观察组的DAS28评分、HAQ-DI评分和Larsen评分均显著低于对照组,身体和心理健康评分均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。将患者根据DMARDs治疗依从性进行分层,依从性患者124例,非依从性患者76例,依从性患者的DAS28评分、HAQ-DI评分和Larsen评分均显著低于非依从性患者,身体和心理健康评分均显著高于非依从性患者(P0.05)。此外,年龄40岁、农村户口、受教育程度9年均为影响患者用药依从性的独立风险因素。结论 DMARDs早期干预及依从性患者的预后显著优于DMARDs晚期干预及非依从性患者。     

广州中老年居民膳食n-3脂肪酸摄入水平与血脂关系的研究

目的分析广州居民膳食n-3脂肪酸摄入水平与血脂的关系。方法志愿者形式招募40～75岁广州市民,采用定量食物频数问卷调查研究对象每日食物摄入种类及数量,计算能量及营养素,特别是n-3脂肪酸含量。检测空腹血脂4项。将膳食n-3脂肪酸摄入量四分位分组分析其与血脂的相关关系。结果共招募3974名研究对象,其膳食总能量摄入量为(7.68±2.24)MJ/d、脂肪供能比为(33.1±7.8)%,饱和脂肪酸供能比为(8.3±2.2)%。膳食n-3脂肪酸摄入量为(1.29±1.02)g/d,其中α-亚麻酸(ALA)为(1.18±0.99)g/d[(0.58±0.42)%energy],二十碳五烯酸(EPA)和二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)为(99.50±103.09)mg/d。校正年龄、性别、BMI、总能量、饱和脂肪酸及膳食n-6脂肪酸摄入量等混杂因素后,膳食ALA摄入量与空腹血清总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)呈剂量依赖的负相关关系(P<0.05),Q4(2.23g/d)的TC、HDL-C及LDL-C显著低于Q1(0.47g/d)(P<0.05);膳食EPA+DHA摄入量与TG及HDL-C也呈线性负相关关系(P﹤0.05),Q1(26.40 mg/d)的TG及HDL-C水平显著高于其他3组(P<0.05)。结论与ALA和EPA+DHA摄入量分别为0.47 g/d和26.40 mg/d相比,摄入量达到2.23 g/d和200.30 mg/d时有利于将血脂维持在较低水平。     

Flaxseed oil and fish-oil capsule consumption alters human red blood cell n-3 fatty acid composition: a multiple-dosing trial comparing 2 sources of n-3 fatty acid

BACKGROUND: An increase in plasma n-3 fatty acid content, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3; EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3; DHA), is observed after consumption of fish oil-enriched supplements. Because alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3; ALA) is the direct precursor of EPA and DHA, ALA-enriched supplements such as flax may have a similar effect, although this hypothesis has been challenged because of reported low conversion of ALA into DHA. OBJECTIVE: To address this question, we designed a clinical trial in which flax oil, fish-oil, and sunflower oil (placebo group) capsules were given to firefighters (n = 62), a group traditionally exposed to cardiovascular disease risk factors. DESIGN: Firefighters were randomly divided into 6 experimental groups receiving 1.2, 2.4, or 3.6 g flax oil/d; 0.6 or 1.2 g fish oil/d; or 1 g sunflower oil/d for 12 wk. Blood was drawn every 2 wk, and the total phospholipid fatty acid composition of red blood cells was determined. RESULTS: As expected, fish oil produced a rapid increase in erythrocyte DHA and total n-3 fatty acids. The consumption of either 2.4 or 3.6 g flax oil/d (in capsules) was sufficient to significantly increase erythrocyte total phospholipid ALA, EPA, and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3) fatty acid content. There were no differences among groups in plasma inflammatory markers or lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of ALA-enriched supplements for 12 wk was sufficient to elevate erythrocyte EPA and docosapentaenoic acid content, which shows the effectiveness of ALA conversion and accretion into erythrocytes. The amounts of ALA required to obtain these effects are amounts that are easily achieved in the general population by dietary modification.     

Influence of fish oil on blood lipids in coronary artery disease.

The low incidence of coronary artery disease in Greenland Eskimos may be due to their intake of seafood with a high content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which may have a hypolipidaemic effect. Results of previous studies have been controversial, depending on the dosage of fish oil and the phenotypic cause of the hyperlipoproteinaemia. In this placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study, patients (n = 32) with coronary artery disease and dyslipidaemia received firstly 2.4 g eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. Thereafter in the open study the same study group received 3.6 g EPA/DHA. Fish oil had no significant effect on serum cholesterol or high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Low doses of fish oil (2.4 g EPA/DHA) reduced serum triglyceride level significantly (P less than 0.05) and more significantly (P less than 0.01) with 3.6 g EPA/DHA. The results indicated that the therapeutic effect of n-3 fatty acids as hypolipidaemic agents is greatest in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (greater than 3.00 mmol/l).     

Dietary supplementation with eicosapentaenoic acid, but not with other long-chain n-3 or n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, decreases natural killer cell activity in healthy subjects aged >55 y

BACKGROUND: Animal studies showed that dietary flaxseed oil [rich in the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)], evening primrose oil [rich in the n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)], and fish oil [rich in the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] can decrease natural killer (NK) cell activity. There have been no studies of the effect on NK cell activity of adding these oils to the diet of humans. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with oil blends rich in ALA, GLA, arachidonic acid (AA), DHA, or EPA plus DHA (fish oil) on the NK cell activity of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. DESIGN: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study was conducted. Healthy subjects aged 55-75 y consumed 9 capsules/d for 12 wk; the capsules contained placebo oil (an 80:20 mix of palm and sunflower seed oils) or blends of placebo oil and oils rich in ALA, GLA, AA, DHA, or EPA plus DHA. Subjects in these groups consumed 2 g ALA, 770 mg GLA, 680 mg AA, 720 mg DHA, or 1 g EPA plus DHA (720 mg EPA + 280 mg DHA) daily, respectively. Total fat intake from the capsules was 4 g/d. RESULTS: The fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids changed significantly in the GLA, AA, DHA, and fish oil groups. NK cell activity was not significantly affected by the placebo, ALA, GLA, AA, or DHA treatment. Fish oil caused a significant reduction (mean decline: 48%) in NK cell activity that was fully reversed by 4 wk after supplementation had ceased. CONCLUSION: A moderate amount of EPA but not of other n-6 or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can decrease NK cell activity in healthy subjects.     

Persistent changes in the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes after moderate intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: study design implications.

To examine the incorporation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into erythrocyte membranes during and after moderate n-3 PUFA intake, 12 healthy men were fed three diets for 6-wk periods in a 3 x 3 crossover design, supplying different amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3): a control diet, a fish diet (0.15 g EPA/d, 0.41 g DHA/d), and a fish + oil diet (5 g fish oil/d; 0.99 g EPA/d and 0.99 g DHA/d). A 6-wk washout period was allowed between diets. Between 6 and 12 wk after the fish + oil diet, erythrocyte EPA and DHA were still declining and it was only after 18 wk that erythrocyte EPA had returned to baseline whereas DHA had not. Investigators examining variables that are influenced by altered membrane fatty acid composition should be aware of these prolonged effects when designing studies. Protracted washout periods (greater than 18 wk) make the classic crossover design prohibitive and a parallel design becomes essential.     

Circulating triacylglycerol and apoE levels in response to EPA and docosahexaenoic acid supplementation in adult human subjects

High doses of n-3 PUFA found in fish oils can reduce the circulating concentration of triacylglycerol (TG), which may contribute to the positive impact of these fatty acids on the risk of CVD. The present study aimed to establish the differential impact of EPA and docosahexaenoic (DHA) on plasma lipids and apo in adults. Forty-two normolipidaemic adult subjects completed a double-blind placebo controlled parallel study, receiving an EPA-rich oil (4.8 g EPA/d), DHA-rich oil (4.9 g DHA/d) or olive oil as control, for a period of 4 weeks. No effects of treatment on total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or HDL-cholesterol were evident. There was a significant 22 % reduction in TG level relative to the control value following the DHA treatment (P=0.032), with the 15 % decrease in the EPA group failing to reach significance (P=0.258). There were no significant inter-group differences in response to treatment for plasma apoA1, -C3 or -E levels, although a significant 15 % within-group increase in apoE was evident in the EPA (P=0.006) and DHA (P=0.003) groups. In addition, a within-group decrease in the apoA1:HDL-cholesterol ratio was observed in the DHA group, suggesting a positive impact of DHA on HDL particle size. The DHA intervention resulted in a significant increase in the proportion of EPA P=0.000 and DHA P=0.000 in plasma phospholipids, whilst significant increases in EPA P=0.000 and docosapentaenoic acid P=0.002, but not DHA P=0.193, were evident following EPA supplementation (P<0.05). Our present results indicate that DHA may be more efficacious than EPA in improving the plasma lipid profile.     

Docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, but not alpha-linolenic acid, suppress deoxynivalenol-induced experimental IgA nephropathy in mice

Diets enriched in the (n-3) PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and their precursor alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), were evaluated for efficacy in ameliorating the development of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) induced in mice by the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). The effects of DON were compared in mice that were fed for 18 wk with AIN-93G diets containing 1) 10 g/kg corn oil plus 60 g/kg oleic acid (control); 2) 10 g/kg corn oil plus 35 g/kg oleic acid and 25 g/kg DHA-enriched fish oil (DHA); 3) 10 g/kg corn oil plus 33 g/kg oleic acid and 27 g/kg EPA-enriched fish oil (EPA); and 4) 10 g/kg corn oil plus 37 g/kg oleic acid and 23 g/kg DHA + EPA (1:1) enriched fish oil (DHA + EPA). The DHA, EPA and DHA + EPA diets attenuated induction by dietary DON (10 mg/kg) of serum IgA and IgA immune complexes, kidney mesangial IgA deposition, and ex vivo IgA secretion by spleen cells. Consumption of the DHA + EPA diet for 8 wk significantly abrogated the DON-induced gene expression of interleukin (IL)-6, a requisite cytokine for DON-induced IgA nephropathy, in spleen and Peyer's patches. Finally, incorporation of ALA-containing flaxseed oil up to 60 g/kg in the AIN-93G diet did not affect DON-induced IgA dysregulation in mice. Taken together, both DHA and EPA, but not ALA, ameliorated the early stages of IgAN, and these effects might be related to a reduced capacity for IL-6 production.     

A practical approach to increasing intakes of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: use of novel foods enriched with n-3 fats

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of providing a wide range of foodstuffs containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), occurring naturally or from fortification, on intake and blood and tissue proportions of n-3 PUFA. DESIGN: Before/after dietary intervention study. SETTING: Adelaide, Australia. SUBJECTS: 16 healthy males recruited from the community. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were provided with a range of foodstuffs naturally containing n-3 PUFA (fresh fish, canned fish, flaxseed meal, canola oil) and items fortified with fish oil (margarine spread, milk, sausages, luncheon meat, french onion dip). Food choices were left to the discretion of each subject. Intake was estimated by diet diary. Blood was collected at-2, 0, 2, and 4 weeks for fatty acid analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary intakes; plasma, platelet, and mononuclear cell phospholipid fatty acids. RESULTS: Consumption of n-3 PUFA increased significantly: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) from 1.4 to 4.1 g/day (P<0.001), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from 0.03 to 0.51 g/day (P<0.001), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from 0.09 to 1.01 g/day (P<0.001). Linoleic acid (LA) intake decreased from 13.1 to 9.2 g/day (P<0.001). The proportions of EPA and DHA increased significantly in all phospholipid pools examined; plasma EPA from 1.13% of total fatty acids to 3.38% (P<0.001) and DHA from 3.76 to 7.23% (P<0.001); mononuclear cell EPA from 0.40 to 1.25% (P<0.001) and DHA from 2.33 to 4.08% (P<0.001); platelet EPA from 0.41 to 1.2% (P<0.001) and DHA from 1.64 to 3.07% (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Incorporating fish oil into a range of novel commercial foods provides the opportunity for wider public consumption of n-3 PUFA with their associated health benefits. SPONSORSHIP: Dawes Scholarship, Royal Adelaide Hospital.     

A meta-analysis shows that docosahexaenoic acid from algal oil reduces serum triglycerides and increases HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in persons without coronary heart disease

Certain algae contain the (n-3) fatty acid DHA, yet the relation between algal oil supplementation and cardiovascular disease risk factors has not been systematically examined. Our objective was to examine the relation between algal oil supplementation and cardiovascular disease risk factors. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials published between 1996 and 2011 examining the relation between algal oil supplementation and cardiovascular disease risk factors and performed a meta-analysis of the association between algal oil DHA supplementation and changes in the concentrations of TG, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C). We identified 11 randomized controlled trials with 485 healthy participants that evaluated the relation between algal oil DHA supplementation and TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C. The median dose of algal DHA was 1.68 g/d. The pooled estimate for the change in TG concentration was -0.20 mmol/L (95% CI: -0.27 to -0.14), 0.23 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.16-0.30) for LDL-C, and 0.07 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.05-0.10) for HDL-C. DHA supplementation from algal oil, a marine source of (n-3) fatty acids not extracted from fish, may reduce serum TG and increase HDL-C and LDL-C in persons without coronary heart disease.     

Effects of four doses of n-3 fatty acids given to hyperlipidemic patients for six months.

The long-term effects of practical amounts of fish oil on plasma lipids and lipoprotein cholesterol levels, bleeding times, erythrocyte deformabilities, and plasma phospholipid fatty acid (FA) composition were investigated in this trial. Twenty-eight hyperlipidemic patients with elevated cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) levels were randomly assigned to take 3, 6, 9, or 12 capsules of fish oil daily for 6 months, providing 1.25-5 g of n-3 FAs per day. Baseline parameters were compared to values after 1 and 6 months of treatment, and after 1 month of washout. There were no statistically significant changes in total cholesterol levels at any dose. Both low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels tended to rise, resulting in an unchanged ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C. The TG and very-low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels decreased significantly with all but the lowest dose. Bleeding times were unaffected despite a nonsignificant 34% increase detected at the highest dose. Red blood cell deformability tended to increase with the two middle doses only. The EPA level in plasma phospholipids was strongly correlated with n-3 FA (FA) consumption. We conclude that long-term treatment of hyperlipidemic patients with practical intakes of n-3 FAs produced persistent reductions in TG levels and no change in the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio.