n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids raise low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoprotein 2, and plasminogen-activator inhibitor in healthy young men

Am J Clin Nutr. 1991 Jul;54(1):118-22. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/54.1.118.

Abstract

The effects of a moderate supplementation in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were investigated in 36 young healthy adult males. Factors investigated were lipoprotein (including HDL subfractions and apolipoproteins) and hemostasis indexes, assessed by platelet aggregation and plasminogen-activator-inhibitor (PAI) activity. Fat-controlled diets were prescribed, one with and one without a fish-oil supplement (control diet), successively during 3 wk in random order. Total calorie, fat, and cholesterol intakes were similar in the two diets. Triglycerides in serum and very-low-density lipoproteins were lower and high-density-lipoprotein 2 cholesterol was higher with the n-3 PUFA-supplemented diet. These effects as well as a significant decrease in platelet aggregation can be considered beneficial in terms of cardiovascular risk. However, significant increases in low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and PAI activity occurred and were correlated. This latter effect could be detrimental.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cholesterol, Dietary / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Energy Intake
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology*
  • Fish Oils / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, HDL / blood*
  • Lipoproteins, LDL / blood*
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL / blood
  • Male
  • Plasminogen Inactivators / blood*
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Cholesterol, Dietary
  • Dietary Fats
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Fish Oils
  • Lipoproteins, HDL
  • Lipoproteins, LDL
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL
  • Plasminogen Inactivators
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Triglycerides