Omega 3: Clotting

Nutraceutical: Omega 3 (in conjunction with aspirin and clopidogrel)
 
Indication: Clotting
 
Source: Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, July 2011;31(7):1696-702.
 
Research: The goal of this study was to investigate whether omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) could alter plasma fibrin clot properties and reduce thrombin formation in stable coronary artery disease patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In an investigator-initiated, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, patients undergoing PCI who received standard pharmacotherapy were assigned to the treatment with 1 g/day n-3 PUFA (n = 30) or placebo (n = 24) for 1 month. Plasma fibrin clot permeability (K(s)); lysis time (t(50%)); prothrombin fragment 1.2; and peak thrombin generation from automated thrombogram, 8-isoprostaglandin F(2α) (8-iso-PGF(2α), an oxidative stress marker), and C-reactive protein were determined at baseline, 3 to 5 days after randomization, and 30 days after randomization.
 
Results: Adding n-3 PUFA to standard therapy in stable patients undergoing PCI significantly decreases thrombin formation and oxidative stress and favorably alters fibrin clot properties. Researchers believe these findings indicate novel antithrombotic effects induced by n-3 PUFA in humans.