Background. Intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) either from natural sources or dietary supplementation is inversely associated with atherothrombosis. AIM: A double-blind pilot study was designed to address the impact of n-3 PUFA on atherosclerosis, haemostasis and vascular status in patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia. METHODS: Carotid intima-media thickness (C-IMT), texture of intima-media complex (T-IMC), lipids and platelet function were evaluated in 64 patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia who received placebo or n-3 PUFA (6 g/day) for 2 years. C-IMT and T-IMC were assessed by B-mode ultrasound. Lipids and platelet function were determined by validated methods. RESULTS: C-IMT increased in placebo, but not in n-3 PUFA group with respect to baseline. In contrast T-IMC decreased in n-3 PUFA, but not in placebo; in both cases, however, treatment effect did not reach statistical significance. A fall of triglycerides, concomitant to a rise of high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL and LDL), was observed in the active treated group. Platelet function was significantly reduced by n-3 PUFA. CONCLUSIONS: Results show a favourable effectiveness of n-3 PUFA on IMT progression and T-IMC that deserves to be confirmed in larger studies. Despite the small sample size, the beneficial effect of n-3 PUFA on platelet function, triglycerides and HDL-C is clearly highlighted
Effect of n-3 fatty acids on carotid atherosclerosis and haemostasis in patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia: a double-blind pilot study in primary prevention / D. Baldassarre, M. Amato, S. Eligini, S. S. Barbieri, L. Mussoni, B. Frigerio, M. Kozakova, E. Tremoli, C. R. Sirtori, S. Colli. - In: ANNALS OF MEDICINE. - ISSN 0785-3890. - 38:5(2006), pp. 367-375.
Titolo: | Effect of n-3 fatty acids on carotid atherosclerosis and haemostasis in patients with combined hyperlipoproteinemia: a double-blind pilot study in primary prevention |
Autori: | BALDASSARRE, DAMIANO (Primo) SIRTORI, CESARE (Penultimo) COLLI, SUSANNA (Ultimo) |
Parole Chiave: | Atherosclerosis; Carotid ultrasound; Hyperlipidemic patients; Imaging; Lipoproteins; Platelet function |
Settore Scientifico Disciplinare: | Settore BIO/14 - Farmacologia |
Data di pubblicazione: | 2006 |
Rivista: | |
URL: | http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/content/g6v48v7724510184/fulltext.html |
Tipologia: | Article (author) |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07853890600852880 |
Appare nelle tipologie: | 01 - Articolo su periodico |