The n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid increase systemic arterial compliance in humans

Background: n-3 Fatty acids influence vascular function, but the effect of individual fatty acids on systemic arterial compliance (SAC) has not been reported. SAC, which reflects arterial elasticity, is emerging as a new cardiovascular risk factor and appears to predict future cardiovascular events. Objective: We tested whether the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improve SAC in dyslipidemic subjects. Design: Thirty-eight dyslipidemic subjects were randomly assigned to receive 3 g EPA/d (it = 12), 3 g DHA/d (n = 12), or a placebo (n = 14) in a 7-wk parallel, double-blind trial. Arterial functions were measured at the beginning and end of the interventions. Plasma lipids and plasma fatty acids were also measured. Results: Consumption of the n-3 fatty acids significantly increased SAC, whereas consumption of the placebo did not (P = 0.043; repeated-measures analysis of variance across the 3 groups); the increase was 36% with EPA and 27% with DHA. The major components contributing to the increase in SAC (systolic and pulse pressures and total vascular resistance) tended to decrease but not significantly. Plasma total and VLDL triacyl-glycerol were significantly lower in the n-3 fatty acid groups (P = 0.026 and 0.006, respectively; repeated-measures analysis of variance) than in the placebo group. Conclusion: EPA and DHA increase SAC and tend to reduce pulse pressure and total vascular resistance, effects that may reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events.