The Effect of N-3 Fatty Acids on Plasma Lipids and Lipoproteins and Blood Pressure in Patients with CRF

Background: Patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) have a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and increased premature mortality. n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known to decrease plasma triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure (BP), and have a cardioprotective effect in subjects with normal renal function. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of n-3 PUFAs on plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels and 24-hour ambulatory BP in patients with CRF.

Methods: Sixty-four patients with CRF, defined as a plasma creatinine level between 1.70 and 4.52 mg/dL (150 and 400 micromol/L), were included and randomly assigned to treatment with 2.4 g of n-3 PUFAs or control treatment (olive oil) for 8 weeks. Patients were evaluated by measurement of fasting plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels and 24-hour ambulatory BP recordings before and after the supplements. n-3 PUFA content was determined in cell membranes of granulocytes and adipose tissue samples to evaluate n-3 PUFA intake.

Results: There was a significant 8% increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.01) and a significant 21% decrease in serum triglyceride levels (P < 0.02) in the group administered n-3 PUFA supplements. There were no changes in total cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in any group, and n-3 PUFAs had no effect on 24-hour ambulatory BP.

Conclusion: Supplementation with n-3 PUFAs had a favorable effect on lipoprotein profile in patients with CRF, whereas no effect on 24-hour ambulatory BP was observed.