An omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrate increases plasma high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol and paraoxonase levels in patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia

A remarkable reduction of plasma concentrations of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), especially of the HDL2 subfraction, is one of the typical lipoprotein alterations found in patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL). Fourteen FCHL patients received 4 capsules daily of Omacor (an ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid [ω3 FA] concentrate providing 1.88 g of eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and 1.48 g of docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] per day; Pronova Biocare, Oslo, Norway) or placebo for 8 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Plasma triglycerides were 44% lower, and LDL cholesterol and apoliporpotein (apo)B were 25% and 7% higher after Omacor than placebo. HDL cholesterol was higher (+8%) after Omacor than placebo, but this difference did not achieve statistical significance. Omacor caused a selective increase of the more buoyant HDL2 subfraction; plasma HDL2 cholesterol and total mass increased by 40% and 26%, respectively, whereas HDL3 cholesterol and total mass decreased by 4% and 6%. Both HDL2 and HDL3 were enriched in cholesteryl esters and depleted of triglycerides after Omacor. No changes were observed in the plasma concentration of major HDL apolipoproteins, LpA-I and LpA-I:A-II particles, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). The plasma concentration of the HDL-bound antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase increased by 10% after Omacor. Omacor may be helpful in correcting multiple lipoprotein abnormalities and reducing cardiovascular risk in FCHL patients.