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The effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in patients with chronic renal failure--a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Pei J, Zhao Y, Huang L, Zhang X, Wu Y

Journal of renal nutrition : the official journal of the Council on Renal Nutrition of the National Kidney Foundation, 2012

557 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systemically review and analyze the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) consumption on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in patients with end-stage renal disease.

DESIGN: Systemic review, with meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

METHODS: We performed a systemic review and meta-analysis of the lipid-modulating effects of n-3 PUFAs by combining evidences from 10 randomized controlled trials including 557 patients with end-stage renal disease.

RESULTS: Pooled analysis revealed that n-3 PUFA intake significantly reduced serum triglyceride levels by -0.78 mmol/L (95% confidence interval: -1.12 to -0.44 mmol/L, P < .0001). Consumption of n-3 PUFAs also reduced the plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by -0.09 mmol/L and elevated plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels by -0.25 mmol/L, but these changes were not statistically significant. Plasma levels of total cholesterols were elevated in both n-3 PUFA and control groups, with a lesser increase in the n-3 PUFA group, without statistical significance. Metaregression showed no correlation between the amounts or duration of n-3 PUFA intake and their lipid-modulating effects.

CONCLUSIONS: In our meta-analysis, n-3 PUFA consumption significantly lowered the serum triglyceride levels. No significant changes were found on the degrees of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction and total cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol elevation effects.

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 557 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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