Inverse association of erythrocyte n-3 fatty acid levels with inflammatory biomarkers in patients with stable coronary artery disease: The Heart and Soul Study

Ramin Farzaneh-Far, William S. Harris, Sachin Garg, Beeya Na, Mary A. Whooley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

127 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Dietary intake of polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids has been associated with a reduced incidence of adverse cardiovascular events. The protective mechanisms involved are not fully understood, but may include anti-inflammatory factors. We sought to investigate the relationship between n-3 fatty acid levels in erythrocyte membranes and markers of systemic inflammation in 992 individuals with stable coronary artery disease. Methods: Cross-sectional associations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and Interleukin-6 (Il-6) with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EHA) were evaluated in multivariable linear regression models adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, medication use, exercise capacity, body-mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio. Results: After multivariable adjustment, n-3 fatty acid levels (DHA + EPA) were inversely associated with CRP and IL-6. The inverse association of n-3 fatty acids with CRP and IL-6 was not modified by demographics, body-mass index, smoking, LDL-cholesterol, or statin use (p values for interaction > 0.1). Conclusions: In patients with stable coronary artery disease, an independent and inverse association exists between n-3 fatty acid levels and inflammatory biomarkers. These findings suggest that inhibition of systemic inflammation may be a mechanism by which n-3 fatty acids prevent recurrent cardiovascular events.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)538-543
Number of pages6
JournalAtherosclerosis
Volume205
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • C-reactive protein
  • Fish oil
  • Inflammation
  • Interleukin-6
  • Omega-3

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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