Abstract
Fish consumption is associated with reduced risk of CVD, which may be partly mediated by alterations in plasma lipids, such as HDL-cholesterol. However, comprehensive analyses of associations between fatty fish consumption and lipoprotein subclass profile are limited and show inconsistent results. Therefore, the aim of the present exploratory study was to investigate the association between fatty fish consumption and lipoprotein subclass particle concentrations and composition, with an emphasis on HDL. We performed a comprehensive plasma metabolite profiling in 517 healthy adults, using a targeted high-throughput NMR spectroscopy platform. The participants were divided into tertiles based on consumption of fatty fish, reported through a validated FFQ. We compared the concentration of metabolites between the participants in the lowest and highest tertiles of fatty fish consumption. We show that high consumers of fatty fish (>223 g/week, median intake 294 g/week) had higher particle concentrations and content of total lipids, free cholesterol and phospholipids in large and extra-large HDL particles and higher content of total cholesterol, cholesteryl esters and TAG in large HDL particles than low consumers (<107 g/week, median intake 58 g/week). Using fatty fish consumption as a continuous variable, we found that fatty fish consumption was associated with lower levels of the inflammation marker glycoprotein acetyls. In conclusion, high consumers of fatty fish seem to have a more favourable HDL-cholesterol-related lipoprotein profile and anti-inflammatory phenotype than low consumers of fatty fish. Thus, these data support the current Norwegian dietary recommendations for fish consumption regarding CVD risk.
Highlights
Cholesterol in the circulation is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for CVD[2]
The aim of the present exploratory study was to investigate the association between fatty fish consumption and lipoprotein subclass particle concentrations and composition and certain plasma metabolites in healthy adults, with emphasis on HDL particle concentration and composition
After excluding participants not completing the FFQ, having a too low or too high energy intake or missing plasma samples for NMR, 517 participants were divided into tertiles of fatty fish consumption (Fig. 1)
Summary
Cholesterol in the circulation is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for CVD[2]. Fish consumption is associated with reduced risk of CVD[3,4,5]. This is partly due to the TAG-lowering effect of the n-3 PUFA EPA (20 : 5n-3) and DHA (22 : 6n-3), abundant in fatty fish[6,7,8]. N-3 PUFA effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol have been minor and inconsistent[8,9,10], new methodology may provide new insight to the field of lipid metabolism and health by identifying potential novel risk markers[10]. Some subclasses have been associated with increased risk of CVD, such as increased levels of small LDL and reduced levels of large HDL[12]; whether this contributes to improved risk prediction remains unclear[13]. More studies determining the long-term effects of fish consumption on lipoprotein profiling have been warranted[18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
