Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty-Acid Supplementation on Redox Status in Chronic Renal Failure Patients With Dyslipidemia

Objective

We sought to evaluate the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acid (PUFA) supplementation on dyslipidemia, lipid and protein peroxidation, and antioxidant defense in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).

Design

Eighty patients with CRF were diagnosed in the hospital of Oran between January 2008 and April 2008. Forty patients (male/female, 22/18; aged 61 ± 14 years, S.D.) were available for the study. They presented with dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia (triacylglycerols, >1.7 mmol/L) and/or hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol, >5 mmol/L).

Intervention

All patients received nutritional counsel adapted to CRF, i.e., energy intake of .12 megajoule · kg⁻¹ · body weight · day⁻¹, protein intake of .8 g · kg⁻¹ · body weight · day⁻¹, and lipid intake of 35% of total energy intake with 28% PUFAs, 37% monounsaturated fatty acids, and 35% saturated fatty acids. Patients were randomized into two groups: 20 received supplementation with omega-3 fish oil (2.1 g · day⁻¹) for 90 days, and 20 were used as controls. To control the counsel monitoring, a nutritional survey was performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Blood samples were drawn at the beginning (T0), at 30 days (T1), at 60 days (T2), and at 90 days (T3) after initiating treatment.

Results

In the omega-3 group, a reduction in triacylglycerol levels was evident at T1 (−43%), T2, and T3 (−48%). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were at lower levels at T1 and T3. There was no significant difference in carbonyl values, whereas serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were increased at T1, T2, and T3. High catalase activity was evident at T2 and T3.

Conclusion

Omega-3 supplementation improves hypertriglyceridemia and oxidative stress in patients with CRF, and may lead to decreased rates of cardiovascular complications.