The effect of N-3 fatty acids on plasma myeloperoxidase levels in healthy adults

Objective: To examine the effect of marine n—3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) supplementation in a low to moderate and a high dose on plasma levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in healthy individuals. Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and MPO, which is secreted primarily from activated neutrophils and monocytes, has pro—inflammatory properties and has been linked with both initiation and propagation of atherosclerosis. Marine n—3 PUFA have anti—inflammatory properties, but whether n—3 PUFA affect plasma levels of MPO is largely unknown. Methods: Sixthy healthy adults were randomized to three groups receiving either 6.6 g PUFA/day, 2.0 g PUFA/day or a control oil (olive oil) for 12 weeks. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and after exposure. Plasma levels of MPO were measured using a MPO ELISA—kit (from Mercodia, Uppsala, Sweden) with specific mouse monoclonal antibodies. Results: Plasma MPO concentrations (μg/L) at baseline were 36.9 +/- 9.4; 36.2 +/- 7.1 and 35.4 +/- 11.3 (for high dose—, low dose— and control—group, respectively). After 12 weeks of supplementation we found no significant changes in plasma MPO in any of the groups nor between groups, with values after intervention of 36.1 +/- 8.6; 37.0 +/- 8.2 and 34.4 +/- 11.1, respectively. Conclusion: Supplementation with n—3 PUFA has no effect on plasma levels of MPO in healthy adults with low baseline levels of MPO.