The prognostic utility of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) in patients with acute coronary heart disease.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We previously investigated the prognostic utility of red blood cell (RBC) n-3 fatty acids (FAs) in survivors of an acute myocardial syndrome (ACS) but found no relationship with all-cause mortality and cardiac death or MI after two years. Here we extend our follow-up to 7years, focusing on the potential predictive power of RBC n-6 FAs.

METHODS:

We included 398 ACS patients presenting with increased troponin-T (TnT) levels for whom baseline RBC FA data were available. Cox regression analysis was used to relate the risk of future events to RBC n-6 FA levels, both continuously and by quartile.

RESULTS:

At 7-year follow-up, 183 (46.0%) had died, 128 (32.2%) had experienced another MI and 24 (6.0%) had had a stroke. Death or MI occurred in 227 patients (57.0%); and death, MI or stroke in 235 patients (59.0%). In a multivariable Cox regression model for total death, the hazard ratio (HR) in the highest as compared to the lowest quartile of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) was 0.55 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.35-0.88, p=0.012, for death or MI [HR 0.62 (95% CI, 0.41-0.94), p=0.025], and for the fully combined endpoint [HR 0.57 (95% CI, 0.38-0.86), p=0.006]. Similar results were found in the per 1-SD analysis. No other RBC n-6 FAs significantly predicted these outcomes in multivariable models.

CONCLUSION:

RBC DGLA levels had significant independent prognostic value in post-ACS patients. These findings need confirmation, and the possible biochemical pathways by which higher DGLA membrane levels may be cardioprotective should be explored.

• Authors: Dennis W T Nilsen, Hildegunn Aarsetoey, Volker Pönitz, Trygve Brugger-Andersen, Harry Staines, William S Harris, Heidi Grundt
• Journal: International journal of cardiology (Int J Cardiol) Vol. 249 Pg. 12-17 (Dec 15 2017) ISSN: 1874-1754 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 28986060 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Observational Study)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• 8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid

Topics

• 8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid (blood)
• Acute Coronary Syndrome (blood, diagnosis)
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Erythrocytes (metabolism)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prognosis
• Prospective Studies