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A randomized controlled trial of the effects of n-3 fatty acids on resolvins in chronic kidney disease

Specialized Proresolving Lipid Mediators are increased after 8 weeks n-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease

Authors:
Mas E, Barden A, Burke V, Beilin LJ, Watts GF, Huang RC, et al.

Authors notes:
Clinical Nutrition. 2015;35(2):331-6.

Keywords:
Fish oil, Inflammation resolution, Renal disease, Resolvins

Abstract:
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The high incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is related partially to chronic inflammation.

n-3 Fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and to reduce the risk of CVD.

Specialized Proresolving Lipid Mediators (SPMs) derived from the n-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) actively promote the resolution of inflammation.

This study evaluates the effects of n-3 fatty acid supplementation on plasma SPMs in patients with CKD.

METHODS: In a double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention of factorial design, 85 patients were randomized to either n-3 fatty acids (4 g), Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) (200 mg), both supplements, or control (4 g olive oil), daily for 8 weeks.

The SPMs 18-HEPE, 17-HDHA, RvD1, 17R-RvD1, and RvD2, were measured in plasma by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry before and after intervention.

RESULTS: Seventy four patients completed the 8 weeks intervention.

n-3 Fatty acids but not CoQ significantly increased plasma levels of 18-HEPE and 17-HDHA, the upstream precursors to the E- and D-series resolvins, respectively.

RvD1 was significantly increased after n-3 fatty acids, but no change was seen in other SPMs.

In regression analysis the increase in 18-HEPE and 17-HDHA after n-3 fatty acids was significantly predicted by the change in platelet EPA and DHA, respectively.

CONCLUSION: SPMs are increased after 8 weeks n-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with CKD.

This may have important implications for limiting ongoing low grade inflammation in CKD.