DECREASES IN PLASMA-LIPID CONTENT AND THROMBOTIC ACTIVITY BY ETHYL ICOSAPENTATE PURIFIED FROM FISH OILS

The effects of ethyl icosapentate (purified from fish oils) on plasma lipids, activity of coagulation factors VII and X, and content of plas minogen activator inhibitor-1 were examined in 28 patients with famili al combined hyperlipidemia. After 8 weeks, ethyl icosapentate at 1800 mg daily significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol and triglyce ride levels, activity of coagulation factors VII and X, and content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 without deleterious effects on plas ma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein chole sterol, and plasma apolipoproteins. Activity of coagulation factors VI I and X and the content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 correlate d with triglyceride levels at week 0 while only coagulation factor VII correlated with total cholesterol at week 0. Changes in coagulation f actor activity and content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 did no t correlate with that of plasma total cholesterol or triglyceride afte r 8 weeks. Purified ethyl icosapentate would thus appear to have an an tiatherogenic effect and could be essential in the control of coronary heart disease by lowering plasma lipid content and increasing antithr ombotic action.