Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids administration on vascular function, inflammatory and fibrinolytic status in adults with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Purpose: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with impaired vascular function. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of omega‐3 polyun‐saturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation on endothelial function, arterial stiffness, inflammatory and fibrinolytic process in subjects with MetS. Methods: We studied the effect of a 12 weeks oral treatment with 2gr/day of omega‐3 PUFAs in 29 (15 male) subjects (mean age 44+/‐12 years) with MetS on three occasions (day 0: baseline, day 28 and day 84). The study was carried out on two separate arms (PUFAs and placebo), according to a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, cross‐over design. The diagnosis of MetS was based on the guidelines of Adult Treatment Panel III definition. Endothelial function was evaluated by flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured as an index of aortic stiffness. Serum levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) were measured by ELISA. Fasting serum lipid levels were measured using chromato‐graphic enzymic method. Results: Treatment with PUFAs resulted in a significant increase in FMD and PWV (p<0.001 for both). Nevertheless, treatment with placebo resulted in no significant changes in FMD and PWV (p=NS for all). Moreover, PUFAs treatment, compared to placebo, decreased IL‐6 levels and increased PAI‐1 levels (p<0.001 for both). Finally, PUFAs decreased fasting serum triglyceride levels, total cholesterol levels and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p<0.001 for all). Conclusions: Treatment with omega‐3 PUFAs favorably affect endothelial function and the elastic properties of the arterial tree in MetS subjects, with a parallel antiinflammatory effect.