Abstract
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) treatment is recommended by the Japan Atherosclerosis Society for high-risk hypercholesterolemic subjects, including those with diabetes mellitus. A high ratio of plasma EPA to arachidonic acid (AA) is reported to reduce coronary event incidence. Serum malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) , a major component of oxidized LDL, is a useful marker for predicting coronary events in those with diabetes. We studied the relationship between the EPA/AA ratio and serum MDA-LDL concentration in 60 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus divided into group A (n=30, EPA/AA ratio <0.5) and group B (n=30; EPA/AA ratio ≥0.5). Serum MDA-LDL was significantly higher in group A than in group B (86 ±22 U/L vs 73 ±20 U/L) . Serum MDA-LDL decreased significantly from 92 ±27 U/L at baseline to 70 ±23 U/L in 12 group A subjects administered 1,800 mg of EPA daily for 3 months after EPA treatment, with the EPA/AA ratio increasing from 0.35 ±0.08 to 1.20 ±0.53. These results suggest that EPA treatment may reduce the oxidative stress observed in those with diabetes and a low EPA/AA ratio.
