Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids reduce lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) in patients with stable angina.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Increased consumption of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) together with lifestyle measures and medications is recommended for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact mechanisms underlying observed benefits are not well defined. To this aim, we evaluated the effects of omega-3 PUFA in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) mass and activity and their relation to oxidized low-density lipoproteins (oxy-LDL).

METHODS AND RESULTS: In a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study Lp-PLA2, oxy-LDL, myeloperoxidase and interleukin-6 were determined at baseline, 3-5 days and 30 days during administration of omega-3 PUFA 1 g/day (n = 30) or placebo (n = 24). Treatment with omega-3 PUFA resulted in reduction of Lp-PLA2 mass by 10.7%, activity by 9.3 (p = 0.026 for both) and oxy-LDL by 10.9% (p = 0.014) at 30 days, with no change in myeloperoxidase and interleukin-6. Compared with placebo, patients receiving omega-3 PUFA had lower Lp-PLA2 mass by 9.42%, activity by 9.2 (p = 0.041 for both) and oxy-LDL by 12.3% (p = 0.10) after one month, but not at 3-5 days. There were no correlations between Lp-PLA2 and both myeloperoxidase and oxy-LDL throughout the study. The multivariate model showed that only treatment with omega-3 PUFA and baseline myeloperoxidase levels were independent predictors of Lp-PLA2 mass changes at one month (R(2) = 0.37, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS: Administration of omega-3 PUFA can decrease Lp-PLA2 in patients with stable angina undergoing PCI. This novel effect may contribute to the benefits derived from omega-3 PUF.