The effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on oxidative stress in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients

End stage renal disease (ESRD) is a condition that inflammation and oxidative stress plays an important role in damaging to tissues, especially, in the vascular system. The effect of omega-3 fatty acids is well-documented in some inflammatory diseases via eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexanoic acid components of fish oil. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidative sttress in ESRD patients.

This randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial consisted of 90 patients on chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). One group was treated orally with 3000 mg omega-3, per day for 8 weeks (n = 45) and the other matched group by placebo (n = 45). Serum levels of lipids, iron, ferritin, Protrombin Time, Partial thromboplastin time, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GH) were measured at the beginning and at 8 weeks.

Our results showed that SOD and reduced GH were not significantly changed in omega-3 group where lipid profile showed no significant changes too. Erythropoietin requirements also had no significant differences.

Incorporation of omega-3 fatty acids to CAPD patients had no beneficial effects on oxidative stress but should evaluate more.