ABSTRACT
Evaluate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids [omega-3] on serum lipids [cholesterol and triglycerides] and blood pressure levels in osteoarthritis [OA] patients. 200 female OA patients from Assiut University Hospitals, were diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria [ACR]. They were submitted to socioeconomic history taking, clinical and rheumatological examination and laboratory investigations. They were equally divided to four groups as follows: group [1]: patients were treated with physiotherapy only [control group]. [2]: patients treated with physiotherapy + omega-3 fatty acids [3 capsuleslday]. [3]: patients treated with physiotherapy + [5gm/day linseed oil]. [4]: patients treated with physiotherapy + [350 gm/week fishorsalamon]. Statistical analysis and nutrition education were applied Revealed that mean level of cholesterol was significantly reduced in the participiant OA patients at [P<0.01, P<0.000, P<0.05]. Also serum triglycerides concentration was significantly decreased in patients taking omega-3 fatty acids as linseed oil and fish [group 3 and 4]. The erthrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] was significant decreased in OA patients taking omega-3 fatty acids [groups2,3,4]. Omega-3 fatty acids from capsules, or linseed oil or fish decreased the systolic blood pressure. Also it was clear that knee joints which are affected were the most common, while hip joints were the least