Effect of omega-3 on tumor necrosis factor-α in children on hemodialysis

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the effect of high-dose omega-3 supplementation on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in children on long-term hemodialysis. Background Patients who are on hemodialysis have elevated serum levels of inflammatory markers. Giving high doses of omega-3 supplementation results in significant decrease in TNF-α (one of the inflammatory markers). Patients and methods This study was conducted at a pediatric dialysis unit in Menoufia University hospital, and included 26 patients from January 2015 to April 2015. The study commenced after approval of the local institutional ethical committee of Menoufia University hospital and obtaining written consents from all the participants in our study. Results The mean age of the 26 patients was 13.4 years (range: 8–17 years). There were 13 (50%) males and (50%) females. The comparison of the studied variables before and after supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids showed that there were statistically high significant differences between the level of TNF-α before (147.62 ± 13.57 mg/dl) and after (79.73 ± 16.884 mg/dl) supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid (P Conclusion The use of omega-3 caused significant decrease in serum levels of TNF-α in children on hemodialysis, and omega-3 may need to be taken in larger doses to exert its anti-inflammatory effect.