Blood omega-3 biomarkers, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vessel status in patients with type 1 diabetes
Abstract
Background/objectives: Clinical research on dietary omega-3 fatty acids and retinal health in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is scarce. In patients with T1D, we examined the associations between blood biomarkers of marine omega-3 (which reflect their dietary intake) and prevalent diabetic retinopathy (DR), and retinal microvascular data obtained through optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).
Subjects/methods: Exploratory, cross-sectional sub-study of a prospective, consecutive, large-scale OCTA study conducted in a longitudinal cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03422965). We used baseline data from 188 consecutive patients with T1D and 88 controls. We determined blood omega-3 biomarkers (eicosapentaenoic [EPA], docosapentaenoic [DPA] and docosahexaenoic [DHA] acids) by gas-chromatography. Ocular data included DR grading, and 6 × 6 mm OCTA scans to obtain macular vessel density and perfusion density, and foveal avascular zone area, perimeter, and circularity.
Results: Patients with T1D, regardless of DR stage, showed significantly lower blood levels of EPA, DHA, DHA, and EPA + DHA than non-diabetic controls (P < 0.001, all cases). In multivariate models in patients with T1D, higher EPA was associated with a lower prevalence of DR (P = 0.044); and increasing proportions of DPA, DHA, EPA + DHA, and total marine omega-3 fatty acids related to a higher vessel and perfusion densities in the macula (P values from 0.014 to 0.050).
Conclusions: In patients with T1D, higher blood omega-3…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 188 participants or records.
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