Abstract

Increased concentration of von Willebrand factor (vWF) is generally accepted as independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes. In attempt to decrease its blood serum concentration, 34 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were supplemented for 28 days with 1.7 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus 1.15 g docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)per each day, followed by a 3 months' wash-out control period with20 patients. After the period of supplementation with EPA and DHA, there was a significant decline in vWF by 15.66 % of ref. plasma (95% CI 6.13, 25.19) followed by its significant increase during the wash-out (on average by 19.15 %; 95% CI 1.24, 37.06). Changes in vWF (DvWF) after intervention correlated with vWF baseline values (r=Ð0.415; p=0.015) and during the entire follow-up (intervention + wash-out) also inversely with changes in EPA, DHA and 22: 5n3 (docosapentaenoic acid) in serum phospholipids (r=Ð0.409, r=-0.454, r=-0.418; p=0.002, p=0.0006, p=0.002, respectively). Supplementation with long-chain n-3 PUFAs (incl. EPA and DHA) in this indication seems to be beneficial also because of its other effects, e. g. on lipoprotein and eicosanoid spectrum, blood rheology etc.

Keywords: n-3 fatty acids, von Willebrand Factor, type 2 diabetes