Diabetes, Vol 37, Issue 11 1567-1573, Copyright © 1988 by American Diabetes Association
Effect of fish oil concentrate on lipoprotein composition in NIDDM
G Schectman, S Kaul and AH Kissebah
Clinical Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is associated with elevated
very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride concentrations and
abnormalities of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) composition. Because fish
oil supplementation may favorably affect lipid and lipoprotein
concentrations in nondiabetic subjects, we determined the effect of fish
oil concentrate on plasma lipids and lipoprotein composition in patients
with NIDDM. Dietary-supplementation 1-mo periods of 4.0 and 7.5 g of
omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil were compared with a placebo of 12 g
safflower oil by use of a single-blind crossover design. Medications,
including antidiabetic therapy, were continued through the study. Compared
with safflower oil treatment, fish oil supplementation resulted in a
significant reduction of total plasma triglycerides of 24% at the 4-g dose
and a larger reduction of 39% at the 7.5-g dose. These decreases were due
to similar reductions in VLDL triglycerides. LDL cholesterol levels were
mildly elevated, but a larger 20% increase in LDL apolipoprotein B (apoB)
concentration was observed. During supplementation with the fish oil
concentrate, the LDL cholesterol-to-apoB ratio was significantly reduced
when compared with pretreatment values, but not when compared with
safflower oil treatment. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and
plasma apoA1 levels were not significantly changed during fish oil
treatment. At the 7.5-g dose, fasting glucose and glycohemoglobin levels
increased by 20 and 12%, respectively, but were unchanged at the lower
level of supplementation. Thus, in NIDDM patients, dietary supplementation
with omega-3 fatty acids induces a reduction in total plasma and VLDL
triglyceride levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)