Atypical antipsychotics attenuate associations between linoleic acid and reduced markers of metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Atypical antipsychotic (AAP) use in psychiatric patients is associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, which includes increased waist circumference, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Dietary or supplemental polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can have positive effects on these symptoms in the general population. Studies from our group suggest that AAP may reduce the beneficial effects of PUFA. We have previously reported a positive association between total omega‐3 dietary intake and endothelial function in schizophrenic subjects not taking AAP that was absent in subjects taking AAP. Here we report, in a population of 27 bipolar subjects, potential interactions between AAP use and serum concentrations of the omega‐6 PUFA, linoleic acid. Serum levels of linoleic acid negatively associated with markers of inflammation (TNF‐alpah); glycemic control (insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), glucose); cardiovascular health (triglycerides, homocysteine); and obesity (BMI, waist‐to‐hip ratio). In several of these associations, regression analysis showed stronger correlations in subjects not taking AAP than in those taking the medications and statistical analysis confirmed an interaction between AAP and LA. These data suggest that AAP use may attenuate the health benefits of PUFA and pose the question whether increased PUFA intake can overcome the negative health effects of AAP.