Role of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) on Inflammation and Lipids

Inclusion criteria: * fasting plasma TG levels between 150 and 500 mg/dL * C-reactive protein (CRP) levels ≥2 µg/mL * at least one of the following criteria for the definition of metabolic syndrome: * abdominal obesity (waist circumference \>40 inches in men and \>35 inches in women), * hypertension (blood pressure ≥130/≥85 mmHg or use of anti-hypertensive medications), and * fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL. Exclusion criteria: * high-fish diets (\>2 fish meals/week) * taking fish oil supplements or supplements containing EPA or DHA * allergy to sardines * allergy to sunflower oil * regular use of anti-inflammatory medications (NSAID, COX inhibitors, corticosteroids) * anticoagulant therapy * alcohol consumption \>7 drinks/week * uncontrolled thyroid dysfunction * insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus * kidney or liver disease * smoking * alterations in coagulation * use of lipid altering medications