Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Erythrocyte Membranes as Predictors of Lower Cardiovascular Risk in Adults without Previous Cardiovascular Events

Author(s)

Ferreira Goncalinho, Gustavo Henrique ^[1] ; Sampaio, Geni Rodrigues ^[1] ; Manolio Soares-Freitas, Rosana Aparecida ^[1] ; Teixeira Damasceno, Nagila Raquel ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, Dept Nutr, BR-01246904 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: NUTRIENTS; v. 13, n. 6 JUN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background: This study investigated the association of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) within erythrocyte membranes and cardiovascular risk assessed by three different estimates. Methods: Inclusion criteria were individuals of both sexes, 30 to 74 years, with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, and no previous cardiovascular events (n = 356). Exclusion criteria were individuals with acute or chronic severe diseases, infectious diseases, pregnant, and/or lactating women. Plasma biomarkers (lipids, glucose, and C-reactive protein) were analyzed, and nineteen erythrocyte membrane fatty acids (FA) were identified. The cardiovascular risk was estimated by Framingham (FRS), Reynolds (RRS), and ACC/AHA-2013 Risk Scores. Three patterns of FA were identified (Factor 1, poor in n-3 PUFA), (Factor 2, poor in PUFA), and (Factor 3, rich in n-3 PUFA). Results: Total cholesterol was inversely correlated with erythrocyte membranes C18:3 n-3 (r = -0.155; p = 0.004), C22:6 n-3 (r = -0.112; p = 0.041), and total n-3 (r = -0.211; p < 0.001). Total n-3 PUFA was associated with lower cardiovascular risk by FRS (OR = 0.811; 95% CI= 0.675-0.976). Regarding RRS, Factor 3 was associated with 25.3% lower odds to have moderate and high cardiovascular risk (OR = 0.747; 95% CI = 0.589-0.948). The ACC/AHA-2013 risk score was not associated with isolated and pooled FA. Conclusions: n-3 PUFA in erythrocyte membranes are independent predictors of low-risk classification estimated by FRS and RRS, which could be explained by cholesterol-lowering effects of n-3 PUFA. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/12523-2 - Physical and chemical properties of LDL and HDL, cardiometabolic and oxidative markers can be modulate by consumption of ômega-3, ômega-6 e ômega-9 in adult subjects?
• Grantee: Nágila Raquel Teixeira Damasceno
• Support type: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/24531-3 - Structural and biophysics properties of native and modified lipoproteins
• Grantee: Antonio Martins Figueiredo Neto
• Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants