According to recent research from Seoul, South Korea, "The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that erythrocytes that are low in n-3 fatty acids and high in trans-fatty acids and nutrient intakes are associated with the risk of atherosclerosis. Fifty patients with acute nonfatal myocardial infarction were recruited to measure their dietary intake, erythrocyte fatty acid composition, intima medial thickness (IMT), and the Gensini score, which are markers of atherosclerosis."

"Trans-oleic acid of erythrocytes was positively (P = .05) correlated with the carotid IMT. After adjusting for age, sex, and energy intake, the IMT was negatively associated with the intake of protein, fat, phosphate, zinc, vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-6, niacin, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, total fatty acids, total n-3 fatty acids, and total n-6 fatty acids. The Gensini score was also negatively associated with the intake of protein, fat, phosphate, sodium, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin B I, vitamin B-2, vitamin B-6, niacin, linolenic acid, total fatty acids, and total n-3 fatty acids," wrote Y. Park and colleagues, Hanyang University (see also Heart Attack).

The researchers concluded: "Lower levels of trans-oleic acid (elaidic acid) in erythrocytes and higher intakes of vitamins, minerals, and n-3 fatty acids were associated with the decreased risk of atherosclerosis. However, these findings need further investigation in randomized controlled clinical trials before public health recommendations for atherosclerosis prevention can be made."

Park and colleagues published their study in Nutrition Research (Correlation of erythrocyte fatty acid composition and dietary intakes with markers of atherosclerosis in patients with myocardial infarction. Nutrition Research, 2009;29(6):391-396).

For additional information, contact Y. Park, Hanyang University, Dept. of Food & Nutrition, Seoul 133791, South Korea.

Publisher contact information for the journal Nutrition Research is: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.

Keywords: South Korea, Seoul, Alternative Medicine, Angiology, Atherosclerosis, Drugs, Heart Attack, Myocardial Infarction, Niacin, Pharmaceuticals, Therapy, Treatment, Hanyang University.

This article was prepared by Cardiovascular Device Liability Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Cardiovascular Device Liability Week via NewsRx.com.

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