1: Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2007 Jan;115(1):35-40.
Links
Altered omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid status in depressed
post-myocardial infarction patients.
  ?  Schins A, Crijns HJ, Brummer RJ, Wichers M, Lousberg R, Celis S,
Honig A.
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht,
The Netherlands.

Objective: Lower levels of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) and increased inflammation have been associated with
both depressive disorder and myocardial infarction (MI). The present
study investigated whether patients who develop depression post-MI, have
higher arachidonic acid/eicosapentanoic acid (AA/EPA) ratios than
non-depressed post-MI patients and whether depressed post-MI patients
have signs of increased inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein
(CRP). Method: Serum AA/EPA ratio and plasma CRP levels were quantified
in 50 post-MI patients, of which 29 were depressed and 21 non-depressed.
Results: Compared with the non-depressed group, depressed post-MI
patients had significantly higher AA/EPA ratios. No significant
difference was observed in CRP levels.

Conclusion: Depressed post-MI patients had lower levels of n-3 LCPUFAs
as measured by mean AA/EPA ratio and no signs of increased inflammation
as determined by CRP levels.
PMID: 17201864 [PubMed - in process]

You may find the following article of interest.  Have a good day!

Roman

Roman Bystrianyk, "Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in heart
health", Health Sentinel, May 14, 2006,

Over 45 years ago Dr. Sinclair proposed that heart disease might be
partly due to a deficiency of fatty acids. It was observed the Coronary
heart disease (CHD) deaths were reduced among Greenland Eskimos who eat
large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids as part of their diet. A recent
mega-analysis with over 200,000 people showed that fish consumption was
related to a reduced death risk from CHD. Many other studies provide
evidence to support the positive association between omega-3 fatty
acids and a healthy heart.

A recent report in the Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, discusses the
important role omega-3 fatty acids play in maintaining a healthy heart
and cardiovascular system.

There are 2 major polyunsaturated fatty acids. Linolenic acid, an
omega-6 fatty acid, is found in vegetable oils such as corn and
safflower. Alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acids if found in
green leafy vegetables, walnuts, canola, and flaxseed oils. These fatty
acids are considered essential because the human body cannot make these
so they must be consumed in the diet.

The human body can through a series of enzymatic steps convert these
shorter polyunsaturated fatty acids into longer ones. Arachidonic acid
(AA) is a longer omega-6 fatty acid, whereas eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are longer omega-3 fatty acids.
These longer fatty acids can be obtained directly from the diet. AA is
found in meat, and EPA and DHA are found in fish and fish oil
supplements. DHA can also be found in algae. Increased dietary
consumption of omega-3 fatty acids replaces AA in cell membranes of
blood cells, artery cells, and in the various organs such as the heart,
brain, and liver.

Omega-6s, which are high in the average Western diet are
proinflammatory, whereas omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. "The typical
Western diet is rich in omega-6 fatty acids with a ration of 10-20:1
(omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids). It has been proposed that
a ratio of 1-2:1 in the diet would shift the balance from a
prothrombotic, proinflammatory, vasoconstrictory state to a favorable
antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodialtory state."

The largest clinical trial to test omega-3 fatty acid supplements was
the GISSI-Prevention Trial, which examined over 11,000 patients. The
trial examined patients with recent heart attacks. The patients were
randomized to omega-3 fatty acid supplements, vitamin E, both omega-3
fatty acids and vitamin E, or none for 3.5 years in conjunction with a
Mediterranean diet. "Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly
reduced all-cause death by 20% and nonfatal myocardial infarction and
stroke by 15%."

The Diet and Reinfarction Trial, also know as DART, study included
2,033 men who had recently suffered a heart attack. They were
randomized to 2 servings of fish per week or an equivalent amount of
omega-3 supplements. "A significant 29% reduction in cardiovascular
and total mortality over 2 years was reported in patients who consumed
fish regularly compared to those without fish in their diet."

Another study included 360 patients after suspected heart attack. They
were randomized to either fish oil supplements, mustard seed oil -
rich in alpha-linolenic acid - or placebo. "After 1 year, total
cardiac events were significantly decreased by 25% in the fish oil
group and 28% in the mustard seed oil group."

The current guidelines of the American Heart Association (AHA)
underscore the importance of dietary omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy
heart. People without any signs of heart disease are recommended to
have fish twice a week. For secondary prevention of CHD, patients
should consume EPA and DHA (1 gram per day) from fish or supplements.

"Environmental toxins such a mercury, dioxins, and polychlorinated
byphenyls may be found in fish and fish oil supplements. The content
may be higher in farm-raised fish compared to wild types. The toxins
may also be increased in larger fish and the risk may be reduced by
consuming a variety of fish. Caution is recommended for specific fish
consumption (eg, shark, swordfish, king mackerel) in pregnant and
lactating women and young children to limit mercury exposure."

"Initially, patients consuming fish oil supplements may experience an
occasional fishy aftertaste. The supplements may be consumed after
freezing the capsules to limit this effect. Gastrointestinal upset may
also be a potential side effect of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation.
Although fish oil reportedly increases bleeding time, low (0.85-1.5
grams per day) and moderate doses (2-5 grams per day) of EPA and DHA
appear to be safe."

The authors conclude, "Substantial clinical evidence support dietary
omega-3 fatty acids as a practical, therapeutic strategy for
cardiovascular health and disease. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate a
number of important physiological responses which contribute to their
cardioprotective effects."

SOURCE: Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, January/February 2006