Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on plasma level of 8-isoprostane in kidney transplant patients.

OBJECTIVE

It has been shown previously that the serum level of F2-isoprostanes acts as an indicator of oxidative stress, which is a risk factor for vascular disease especially in end-stage renal disease. It is not known whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids can decrease oxidative stress in renal recipient patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS: In this single blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the effect of 3 and 6 months of fish oil administration on 8-isoprostane levels in renal transplant recipients was evaluated.

INTERVENTION

Twenty-two renal transplant patients who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria randomly received either fish oil dietary supplementation, 6 g/day (720 mg of DHA and 1,080 mg of EPA) or placebo for 6 months.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Serum 8-isoprostane concentration was measured as markers of oxidative stress.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in 8-isoprostane levels was observed only in the placebo group after transplantation compared to baseline (P < 0.05). However, the group receiving fish oil had a significantly lower cholesterol level than that of the placebo group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our results, omega-3 fatty acids supplementation decreased the beneficial effects of kidney transplantation on oxidative stress.