Abstract
Antithrombotic effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are rich in marine lipids, has been extensively investigated. But the precise and clear reports of the effect of semi-purified EPA-TG are very few on the change of fatty acid composition, and plasma, platelet and RBC function in the patients with cerebro and cardio-vascular disorders. Forty-five patients with hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease or cerebrovascular disorder were entered to this study. They were divided to two groups. In one group (group A), EPA-TG capsules (400mg capsule x12/day, EPA 1320mg/day) were administered for 2 months and routine biochemical markers and platelet function were investigated. In other group (group B), function of RBC was investigated in detail in addition to lipid profiles and fatty acid composition of plasma, platelet and RBC over 4 months during and after EPA-TG administration. In both groups, general biochemical tests and MDA levels were not altered, lipid profiles and platelet function improved and bleeding time prolonged without clinical significance by EPA-TG ingestion. In group B, content of EPA in RBC increased by ingestion of EPA-TG for 2 months and this high level of EPA was maintained until 2 months after discontinuation of EPA. RBC function was improved. These data indicated that EPA-TG administration was useful for slow down the progress of thrombotic cerebro and cardio-vascular disorders through improving lipid profiles, platelet function and RBC function especially in the patients cerebro and cardio-vascular disorders.
