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Moderate intake of n-3 fatty acids is associated with stable erythrocyte resistance to oxidative stress in hypertriglyceridemic subjects^1,2,3

¹ From the Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis Research Group, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal, and INSERM–INRA, Unité de Nutrition Lipidique, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.

Background: The important triacylglycerol-lowering capacity of n-3 fatty acids is counterbalanced by their inherent sensitivity to oxidation. Inconsistent results about the latter have been reported in hypertriglyceridemic individuals. After incorporation into cell membranes, n-3 fatty acids may alter membrane-related functions. In view of the distinct composition of hypertriglyceridemic membranes and the prooxidant status in this condition, it can be surmised that cell enrichment with the oxidizable n-3 fatty acids will be associated with an increased hemolytic process.

Objective: We sought to evaluate the effect of fish oil consumption on n-3 fatty acid incorporation into erythrocyte membranes and subsequent ex vivo oxidative-stress-induced hemolysis in normotriglyceridemic and hypertriglyceridemic subjects.

Design: Sixteen normotriglyceridemic and 12 hypertriglyceridemic subjects were given 6 g fish oil/d for 8 wk. Blood samples were collected before and 4 and 8 wk after treatment. Resistance to 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)–induced hemolysis was assayed in fresh erythrocyte suspensions, and erythrocyte samples were stored at -70°C for later analysis of cholesterol, hemoglobin, fatty acids, vitamin E, and glutathione peroxidase activity.

Results: Fish oil supplementation induced n-3 fatty acid incorporation in normotriglyceridemic and hypertriglyceridemic erythrocyte membranes without decreasing their resistance to AAPH. n-3 Fatty acids significantly protected normotriglyceridemic but not hypertriglyceridemic erythrocytes against hemolysis. In normotriglyceridemic subjects only, the higher resistance to hemolysis correlated with changes in cell vitamin E.

Conclusion: Although they exhibit a high susceptibility to oxidation, n-3 fatty acids may preserve membrane integrity and represent an added benefit in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemic patients.

Key Words: Fish oil • n-3 fatty acids • hemolysis • oxidation • antioxidants • phospholipids • triacylglycerol • hypertriglyceridemia

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