Effects of omega-3 administration on homocysteine serum concentration in renal transplant recipient

ABSTRACT

It has been shown that serum total homocysteine [HC] is a risk factor for vascular disease which characterizes endothelial damage in the general and in the End-Stage Renal Disease [ESRD] population as well. Whether n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease homocysteine [Hcy] level has been a subject of controversy. Renal transplant patients were randomized in 2 groups and received 6 months of dietary supplementation with 6 g/day of Fish oil or placebo. Homocysteine level and total cholesterol level were measured. In 40 renal transplant recipients, increase in homocysteine level was greater after Fish oil administration but not significantly, total cholesterol was decreased significantly. Based on these data omega3 fatty acids supplementation doesn't decrease serum homocysteine in renal transplant recipients but decreases total cholesterol level.