ϵ-3 fatty acid ethyl esters diminish postprandial lipemia in familial hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Context: Impaired postprandial chylomicron metabolism induces hypertriglyceridemia and may increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acid ethyl ester (ϵ-3 FAEE) supplementation decreases plasma triglycerides. However, its effect on postprandial chylomicron metabolism in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has not yet been investigated. Objective: We aimed to examine the effect of ϵ-3 FAEE supplementation on postprandial responses in plasma triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) apolipoprotein B (apoB)-100, and apoB-48 in FH patients receiving standard cholesterol-lowering treatment. Design, Setting, and Patients: We carried out an 8-week open-label, randomized, crossover intervention trial to test the effect of oral supplementation with 4 g/d ϵ-3 FAEE (46% eicosapentaenoic acid and 38% docosahexaenoic acid) on postprandial triglyceride, VLDL-apoB-100, and apoB-48 responses in FH patients after ingestion of an oral fat load. Outcomes Measures: Plasma total and incremental triglyceride, VLDL-apoB-100, and apoB-48 0-to 10-hour area under the curve (AUC). Results: ϵ-3 FAEE supplementation significantly (P