Effects of long chain omega-3 fatty acids on metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in combined dyslipidemia patients.

Author(s): Derosa G, Maffioli P, D'Angelo A, Salvadeo SA, Ferrari I, Fogari E, Gravina A, Mereu R, Randazzo S, Cicero AF

Affiliation(s): University of Pavia, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, P.le C. Golgi, 2 - 27100, Pavia, Italy. giuseppe.derosa@unipv.it

Publication date & source: 2009-06, Expert Opin Pharmacother., 10(8):1239-47.

Publication type: Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial

We evaluate the effect of a standardized dietary supplementation with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on the level of some markers of vascular remodeling in patients with combined dyslipidemia. Three hundred and thirty-three patients received placebo or n-3 PUFAs for 6 months. We evaluated body mass index, glycemic profile, blood pressure, lipid profile, lipoprotein(a), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, homocysteine, fibrinogen, high-sensitivity C reactive protein, ADP, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 and -2. A significant increase of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and a significant decrease of triglycerides were present after 3 and 6 months with n-3 PUFAs intake. A significant plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, fibrinogen and high-sensitivity C reactive protein decrease was obtained after 3 and 6 months and a significant ADP increase was observed after 3 and 6 months of n-3 PUFAs. A significant MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 decrease was obtained after 6 months compared to the baseline value with n-3 PUFAs intake. n-3 PUFAs give a better lipid profile and a better improvement of coagulation, fibrinolytic and inflammatory parameters than placebo. Furthermore, lowers levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 and their tissue inhibitors are obtained with n-3 PUFAs compared to placebo.