Effect of sex and genotype on cardiovascular biomarker response to fish oils: the FINGEN study

Caslake, M.J. et al. (2008) Effect of sex and genotype on cardiovascular biomarker response to fish oils: the FINGEN study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 88(3), pp. 618-629.

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: The lipid-modulatory effects of high intakes of the fish-oil fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are well established and likely to contribute to cardioprotective benefits. <b>Objectives</b>: We aimed to determine the effect of moderate EPA and DHA intakes (<2 g EPA+DHA/d) on the plasma fatty acid profile, lipid and apolipoprotein concentrations, lipoprotein subclass distribution, and markers of oxidative status. We also aimed to examine the effect of age, sex, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on the observed responses. <b>Design</b>: Three hundred twelve adults aged 20–70 y, who were prospectively recruited according to age, sex, and APOE genotype, completed a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Participants consumed control oil, 0.7 g EPA+DHA/d (0.7FO), and 1.8 g EPA+DHA/d (1.8FO) capsules in random order, each for an 8-wk intervention period, separated by 12-wk washout periods. <b>Results</b>: In the group as a whole, 8% and 11% lower plasma triacylglycerol concentrations were evident after 0.7FO and 1.8FO, respectively (P < 0.001): significant sex x treatment (P = 0.038) and sex x genotype x treatment (P = 0.032) interactions were observed, and the greatest triacylglycerol-lowering responses (reductions of 15% and 23% after 0.7FO and 1.8FO, respectively) were evident in APOE4 men. Furthermore, lower VLDL-cholesterol (P = 0.026) and higher LDL-cholesterol (P = 0.010), HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001), and HDL2 (P < 0.001) concentrations were evident after fish-oil intervention. <b>Conclusions</b>: Supplements providing EPA+DHA at doses as low as 0.7 g/d have a significant effect on the plasma lipid profile. The results of the current trial, which used a prospective recruitment approach to examine the responses in population subgroups, are indicative of a greater triacylglycerol-lowering action of long-chain n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in males than in females.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Caslake, Professor Muriel and Packard, Professor Chris
• Authors: Caslake, M.J., Miles, E.A., Kofler, B.M., Lietz, G., Curtis, P., Armah, C.K., Kimber, A.C., Grew, J.P., Farrell, L., Stannard, J., Napper, F.L., Sala-Vila, A., West, A., Mathers, J.C., Packard, C., Williams, C., Calder, P.C., and Minihane, A.M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
• Journal Abbr.: Am. J. Clin. Nutr.
• ISSN: 0002-9165
• ISSN (Online): 1938-3207