Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is increased by omega-3 fatty acids in coronary artery disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Diminution of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a chief role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). One of the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids is to modulate the secretion of BDNF. We aimed to evaluate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on serum BDNF in men with CAD. Forty-eight CAD patients were randomly assigned to either the omega-3 (n=24) or placebo (n=24) group. In the omega-3 group each subject received 4 omega-3 soft gels per day (720 mg eicosapentaenoic acid plus 480 mg docosahexaenoic acid), while each subject in the placebo group received 4 placebo soft gels (edible paraffin) for a period of 8 weeks. Serum BDNF, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum lipoproteins, anthropometric indices, body composition, food intake and physical activity were evaluated before and after intervention. Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation increased serum BDNF (p= 0.015), and did not cause significant modifications on the blood pressure, serum lipids with the exception of LDL, fasting blood glucose, anthropometric measurements and body composition (p > 0.05). Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation significantly enhances serum BDNF in male patients who have CAD.