Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) may have beneficial clinical and immune-modulating effects in surgical patients. In a randomized, double-blind, prospective, placebo-controlled trial, 148 patients referred for elective colorectal cancer surgery received an n-3 FA-enriched oral nutritional supplement (ONS) providing 2.0 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1.0 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day or a standard ONS for seven days before surgery. On the day of operation, there was a significant increase in the production of leukotriene B5 (LTB5) (p < 0.01) and 5-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (5-HEPE) (p < 0.01), a significant decrease in the production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) (p < 0.01) and a trend for a decrease in the production of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) (p < 0.1) from stimulated neutrophils in the active group compared with controls. There was no association between LTB4 values and postoperative complications. In conclusion, oral n-3 FA exerts anti-inflammatory effects in surgical patients, without reducing the risk of postoperative complications.
Publication types
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Colorectal Neoplasms / blood
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Colorectal Neoplasms / diet therapy*
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Colorectal Neoplasms / surgery
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Dietary Supplements*
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Double-Blind Method
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Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage
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Eicosapentaenoic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
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Eicosapentaenoic Acid / blood
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Eicosapentaenoic Acid / pharmacology
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Elective Surgical Procedures
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / chemistry
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology*
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Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / administration & dosage
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Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / pharmacology
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Female
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Humans
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Leukotriene B4 / analogs & derivatives*
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Leukotriene B4 / blood*
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Neutrophils / drug effects
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Postoperative Complications / diet therapy
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Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
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Postoperative Period
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Preoperative Period
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Prospective Studies
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Fatty Acids, Omega-3
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Fatty Acids, Unsaturated
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Leukotriene B4
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leukotriene B5
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Eicosapentaenoic Acid
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docosapentaenoic acid