[Relationship between EPA or EPA/AA and arteriosclerosis in elderly patients over 80 years old]

Fish oil is associated with decreased arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and the prevention of cellular aging. Most studies of n-3 PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acid) have been conducted in patients under 80 years of age, and there are few studies of subjects ≥80 years of age. This study investigated the relationship between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or arachidonic acid (AA) and arteriosclerosis in elderly patients ≥80 years of age.

We enrolled 150 patients ≥80 years of age (average, 85±4 years) not taking EPA that presented or were admitted to our hospital. Their EPA or AA levels were measured to investigate the relationship between EPA or EPA/AA and cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease. In addition, we investigated whether the ratio of EPA/AA was associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

The mean EPA level was 55.9±34.5 µg/dL, the mean AA level was 145.1±45.4 µg/dL and the mean EPA/AA was 0.40±0.24 (mean±SD). There were no significant differences between the EPA/AA and EPA values in patients with cardiovascular disease and those in patients without cardiovascular disease. Moreover, there were no significant differences between the EPA/AA and EPA values in patients with cerebrovascular disease and those in patients without cerebrovascular disease. There were no statistically significant correlations between EPA/AA or EPA and eGFR.

Individuals may achieve a peak value of EPA or EPA/AA in their 70s and there is little change in those levels in patients aged over 80. No relationship was identified between EPA/AA and arteriosclerosis in subjects aged over 80 compared with those under 80 years of age.