The effect of omega-3 fatty acids on depressive symptoms and inflammatory markers in maintenance hemodialysis patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

• DOI: 10.1007/s00228-014-1666-1
• Publication Date: 2014-03-19T02:14:28Z
• Authors: Afshin Gharekhani; Mohammad-Reza Kha...; Simin Dashti-Khav...; Effat Razeghi; Ahmad-Ali Noorbala; Seyed-Saeed Hashe...; Mohammad-Ali Mans...
• Keywords: Male; Depression; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Interleukins; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Middle Aged; Drug Administration Schedule; 3. Good health; Drug Combinations; 03 medical and health sciences; C-Reactive Protein; Treatment Outcome; 0302 clinical medicine; Renal Dialysis; Dietary Supplements; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Humans; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Female; Single-Blind Method; Biomarkers

This study was designed to investigate the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on depression and chronic inflammation in hemodialysis patients.Fifty-four maintenance hemodialysis patients were randomized to ingest two omega-3 (each containing 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid) or placebo capsules, three times daily for 4 months.Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, ferritin, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and ratios of IL-10 to IL-6 and IL-10 to TNF-α were measured at baseline and at the end of the study.Omega-3 supplement lowered BDI score significantly after 4 months of intervention. Among pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, only serum ferritin level and IL-10 to IL-6 ratio showed significant changes in favor of omega-3 supplement during the study. In linear regression model adjusted for baseline values, omega-3 treatment was a significant predictor of reduced serum CRP, ferritin, and iPTH levels, and increased IL-10 to IL-6 ratio. No significant association was found between the anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects of omega-3 supplement.Supplemental use of omega-3 fatty acids decreases depressive symptoms in hemodialysis patients apart from their anti-inflammatory effects.