Effects of Marine Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Serum Systemic and Vascular Inflammation Markers and Oxidative Stress in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background and Aims: High concentrations of serum inflammation markers, especially vascular inflammation markers, are an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in hemodialysis patients. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of marine omega-3 fatty acids on serum systemic and vascular inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Thirty-four hemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either the marine omega-3 fatty acid or the placebo group. Patients in the omega-3 fatty acid group received 2,080 mg marine omega-3 fatty acids daily for 10 weeks, whereas the placebo group received a corresponding placebo.At baseline and the end of week 10, 5 ml blood was collected after a 12- to 14-hour fast. Results: Mean serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1) decreased significantly in the omega-3 fatty acid group at the end of week 10 compared to baseline (p < 0.05) and this reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in mean changes in serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule type 1, sE-selectin, sP-selectin, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant capacity. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that marine omega-3 fatty acids can reduce serum sICAM-1, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but it has no effect on serum systemic inflammation markers and oxidative stress in hemodialysis patients.