N-3 FATTY-ACIDS DO NOT ENHANCE LDL SUSCEPTIBILITY TO OXIDATION IN HYPERTRIACYLGLYCEROLEMIC HEMODIALYZED SUBJECTS

Recent data suggest that treatment with n-3 fatty acids could enhance the susceptibility of plasma low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) to oxidatio n. Twelve hypertriacylglycerolemic, hemodialyzed patients were treated with 2.5 g n-3 fatty acids/d for 2 mo. Treatment was then withdrawn f or 2 mo (washout phase). Plasma total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol increased significantly (9% and 28%) and plasma triacylglycerols decre ased significantly after the n-3 phase compared with baseline and wash out values. LDL susceptibility to oxidation was tested by oxidation of LDL particles with 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AA PH). No significant changes were observed for the lag phase and the pe roxidation rate. The vitamin E content of LDL also did not change sign ificantly. The results thus suggest that a daily dosage of 2.5 g n-3 f atty acids does not enhance LDL susceptibility to oxidation, while ret aining its hypotriacylglycerolemic effect.