The mechanisms through which omega-3 fatty acids reduce adverse cardiac events remain uncertain. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on endothelial vasomotor function, endogenous fibrinolysis, and platelet and monocyte activation in patients with coronary heart disease.
Twenty patients with a previous myocardial infarction were recruited into a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (2g/day for 6-weeks). Peripheral blood was taken for analysis of platelet and monocyte activation, and forearm blood flow was assessed in a subset of 12 patients during intrabrachial infusions of acetylcholine, substance P and sodium nitroprusside. Stimulated plasma tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) concentrations were measured during substance P infusion.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
20
2 grams Omacor daily
2 grams olive oil daily
Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Endogenous fibrinolysis (net release of plasma t-PA,IU mL-1)
Endogenous fibrinolysis was measured by drawing blood during intrabrachial substance P infusion and then plasma t-PA antigen and activity (t-PA Combi Actibind Elisa Kit; Technoclone, Vienna, Austria) concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Estimated net release of plasma t-PA was the product of the infused forearm plasma flow (based on the mean hematocrit and the infused forearm blood flow) and the concentration difference between the infused and noninfused arms.
Time frame: Measured at 6 weeks after omega 3 fatty acids or placebo
Endothelial vasomotor function (forearm blood flow, mL l00 mL-1 min-1)
Forearm blood flow was measured during intrabrachial infusions of acetylcholine, substance P and sodium nitroprusside by venous occlusion plethysmography with mercury-in-silicone elastomer strain gauges.
Time frame: Measured at 6 weeks after omega 3 fatty acids or placebo
Circulating platelet-monocyte aggregates (%).
Whole blood was immunolabelled with appropriate monoclonal antibodies for subsequent flow cytometric analysis of platelet-monocyte aggregation. Platelet-monocyte aggregates were defined as the percentage of monocytes positive for CD42a.
Time frame: Measured at 6 weeks after omega 3 fatty acids or placebo
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.