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Effects of omega-3 on lipid profile and inflammation markers in peritoneal dialysis patients
Kamal S Hassan1, Shadi K Hassan, Ehsan G Hijazi
1Peritoneal Dialysis Unit, Western Galilee Hospital, Naharyia, Israel. Kamal.Hassan@naharia.health.gov.il
Insights
Omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduced triglyceride levels in peritoneal dialysis patients. This pilot study shows omega-3 is a safe and well-tolerated option for managing hypertriglyceridemia in this population.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.
- Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients often exhibit dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated triglycerides and altered cholesterol profiles.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for lipid regulation and inflammation, may be beneficial but intake is often limited in renal diets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of oral omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on plasma lipid profiles.
- To evaluate changes in key inflammatory markers in PD patients receiving omega-3s.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 15 stable PD patients on existing statin therapy.
- Patients received daily oral supplementation of 2.4g docosahexaenoic acid and 1g eicosapentaenoic acid for 8 weeks.
- Lipid levels (triglycerides, total, HDL, LDL cholesterol) and inflammatory markers were measured pre- and post-supplementation.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in triglyceride levels (p = 0.001).
- No significant changes observed in total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol levels.
- Insignificant reductions noted in inflammatory markers including ESR, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, 4-hydroxynonenal, and malondialdehyde.
Conclusions:
- Oral omega-3 supplementation demonstrates efficacy in lowering triglycerides in PD patients.
- The treatment was found to be safe and well-tolerated in this short-term pilot study.
- Omega-3 fatty acids represent a promising therapeutic option for hypertriglyceridemia management in PD patients.
Introduction:
Cardiovascular complications are the main cause of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients generally have a more atherogenic serum lipid profile. Although statins are the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy, there is an important role of fibrates in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. Fibrates increased the risk of rhabdomyolysis. ESRD patients are at risk for inadequate omega-3 intake as a result of renal dietary recommendations. In the general population omega-3 fatty acids play an important modulatory role in lipid regulation, immune and inflammatory responses, progression of arteriosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease.
Aim:
To evaluate the effect of oral omega-3 administration on plasma lipid levels and inflammatory markers in PD patients.
Patients And Methods:
Fifteen adult and stable PD patients who did not receive omega-3 or fibrates treatment before were included in the study. All subjects followed the usual dialysis diet and regimen and continued with the same cholesterol-lowering statins. The patients were treated with daily oral 2.4 g docosahexaenoic acid and 1 g eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation in three divided doses with meals for 8 weeks. Triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, and inflammation markers were evaluated before the administration of omega-3 and at 8 weeks.
Results:
Triglyceride levels were decreased significantly (p = 0.001). Total, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels were not affected. ESR, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, 4-hydroxynonenal, and malondialdehyde levels reduced insignificantly.
Conclusions:
This short-term pilot study demonstrated the efficacy, safety, and well tolerability of omega-3 in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in PD patients.
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