Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and lipid profile in patients with Parkinson's disease

Abstract

ObjectiveParkinson's disease (PD) is associated with inflammation and lipid profile abnormalities. Considering the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) on inflammation and lipid metabolism, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of ω-3 PUFAs supplementation on the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and lipid profile in PD. Material and methodsIn this study, 44 patients with PD were selected and divided into two groups. The intervention group received two capsules of ω-3 PUFAs daily, each capsule containing 120mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 180mg docosahexaenoic acid, and the placebo group received two soft capsules of soybean oil daily for eight weeks. Weight, height, lipid profile (TG, HDL-c, LDL-c, total cholesterol [TC]), and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10) were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study. ResultsBody mass index (P=0.02), weight (P=0.04), HDL-c (P=0.01), LDL-c (P=0.03), and IL-6 (P=0.02) levels increased, while TG (P=0.01), TNF-α (P=0.01), and IL-10 (P=0.01) decreased significantly in the ω-3 PUFAs group. Between-group comparisons revealed the changes not to be significant after adjustments for baseline values and confounders. Moreover, the changes in TC were not significant in either within- or between-group comparisons. ConclusionBased on the results of the study, 600mg ω-3 PUFAs supplementation for eight weeks has no significant effect on the assessed pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and lipid profiles in patients with PD. Further studies with higher doses are needed to better clarify the role of ω-3 PUFAs in the biochemical and clinical outcomes of PD patients.