POLYUNSATURATED N-3 FATTY-ACIDS AND LIPOPROTEIN PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES IN PRIMARY HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA

The effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on lipoprotein levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) size, and plasma phospholipid fatty acids were examined in 17 hypertriglyce ridemic patients. Plasma triglycerides levels fell by 31%, and both ch olesterol and triglycerides in the very low-density lipoprotein fracti on were reduced after 8 weeks of n-3 fatty acid supplementation (2.5 g /day). LDL cholesterol tended to rise while no variations were observe d in HDL cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) levels. Apolipoprotein A-II an d C-III concentrations were significantly reduced by n-3 fatty acids. LDL size (measured by gradient gel electrophoresis) was smaller than n ormal and remained unmodified by n-3 fatty acid supplementation. Large HDL, but not small HDL, cholesterol levels increased significantly. B oth with and without n-3 fatty acid supplementation, LDL size was not related to n-3, oleic, and linoleic fatty acid content in plasma phosp holipids, but was always related to plasma triglyceride levels. n-3 fa tty acids reduce triglycerides in humans without affecting LDL size de spite significant changes in phospholipid fatty acid composition,