Abstract
BackgroundSupplementation studies have suggested a role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in homocysteine metabolism, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent among studies that measured blood levels of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. We examined the association between blood levels of PUFAs and homocysteine in Japanese men and women.MethodsThe subjects were 496 employees (290 men and 206 women) of 2 municipal offices in Japan. Fatty acid composition in serum phospholipids and cholesterol ester (CE) was measured using gas–liquid chromatography. Multiple regression was used to calculate means of homocysteine concentrations according to PUFA tertile with adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsSerum homocysteine concentration decreased with increasing levels of total n-3 PUFA, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in serum phospholipids and CE with adjustment for age, sex and workplace. However, only DHA in serum phospholipids remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for other potential confounders including serum folate (P-trend = 0.04). N-6 PUFAs were not significantly associated with homocysteine concentrations.ConclusionsHigher proportion of DHA in serum phospholipids may be associated with lower homocysteine concentrations in Japanese men and women.
Highlights
Supplementation studies have suggested a role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in homocysteine metabolism, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent among studies that measured blood levels of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs
Evidence has been accumulating that supports a protective role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) against coronary heart disease (CHD) [7,8], recent meta-analyses show no or insufficient evidence regarding the effect of n-3 PUFA supplementation on major cardiovascular events in high risk populations [9,10]
While fat intake estimated from dietary questionnaire tends to be underestimated [15], fatty acid composition in cholesterol ester (CE) and phospholipids is a good biomarker of habitual dietary intake of fatty acid [16]
Summary
Supplementation studies have suggested a role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in homocysteine metabolism, but the evidence is limited and inconsistent among studies that measured blood levels of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. Circulating total homocysteine is a well-known factor associated with risk of cardiovascular disease [1,2], the reduction of homocysteine levels using folic acid supplementation has no effect on vascular outcomes [3]. It is a sulfur amino acid, which is an intermediate in the lineal pathway of synthesis of cysteine from methionine [4]. While fat intake estimated from dietary questionnaire tends to be underestimated [15], fatty acid composition in cholesterol ester (CE) and phospholipids is a good biomarker of habitual dietary intake of fatty acid [16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
