LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF EICOSAPENTAENOIC ACID ON DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AND SERUM-LIPIDS IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE-II DIABETES-MELLITUS

The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of a new, highly purified (purity greater than 91%), ethyl esterification produ ct from natural eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA-E, C20:5 omega 3) in patien ts with type II diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Hemodynamic changes were as sessed at the level of the dorsalis pedis artery using an ultrasonic c olor Doppler duplex system before and after oral administration of EPA -E at a dose of 1800 mg/day for 48 weeks. The cross-sectional area of the dorsalis pedis artery increased significantly from 2.5 +/- 0.2 to 3.9 +/- 0.4 mm(2) (48 weeks, mean +/- SE, p < 0.05). Moreover, EPA-E i mproved the clinical symptom (coldness, numbness) as well as the vibra tion perception threshold sense of the lower extremities [from 32.1 +/ - 8.5 to 16.1 +/- 4.8 (48 weeks) mu m]. A significant decrease of seru m triglycerides was also noted by EPA-E administration. Furthermore, s ignificant decrease of the excretion of albumin in urine [from 24.4 +/ - 3.3 to 13.9 +/- 1.8 (48 weeks) mg/g . Cr, p < 0.05]. The results of this study suggest that EPA-E has significant beneficial effects on di abetic neuropathy and serum lipids as well as other diabetic complicat ions such as nephropathy and macroangiopathy.