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Research Article

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA decrease plasma F2-isoprostanes: Results from two placebo-controlled interventions

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Pages 983-990 | Received 24 Mar 2010, Published online: 14 Jun 2010
 

Abstract

Omega-3 (ω3) fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), protect against cardiovascular disease. Despite these benefits, concern remains that ω3 fatty acids may increase lipid peroxidation. It has previously been shown that urinary F2-isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) were reduced following ω3 fatty acid supplementation in humans. It is now determined whether EPA or DHA supplementation affects plasma F2-IsoPs. In two 6-week placebo-controlled interventions, Study A: overweight, dyslipidaemic men; and Study B: treated-hypertensive Type 2 diabetic, patients were randomized to 4 g daily EPA, DHA. Post-intervention plasma F2-IsoPs were significantly reduced by EPA (24% in Study A, 19% in Study B) and by DHA (14% in Study A, 23% in Study B) relative to the olive oil group. The fall in plasma F2-IsoPs was not altered in analyses that corrected for changes in plasma arachidonic acid, which was reduced with EPA and DHA supplementation. Neither F3- nor F4-IsoPs were observed in plasma in both studies. These results show that in humans, EPA and DHA reduce in vivo oxidant stress as measured in human plasma and urine.

Acknowledgements

Purified eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids and olive oil capsules were kindly provided by the Fish Oil Test Materials Program and the US National Institutes of Health. Dr Mas was supported by a University Western Australia Medical Research Fellowship (Wyn Spence Fellowship) and the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.

Declaration of interest: The studies described were supported by grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, the West Australian Health Promotion Foundation (Healthway) and the Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation. The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

This paper was first published online on Early Online on 14 June 2010.

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