The effects of EPA + DHA and aspirin on inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis factors

Abstract

Objective In a recent study, we showed that the combination of aspirin plus the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) synergistically inhibited platelet function. As aspirin, EPA, and DHA have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, we hypothesized that the ingestion of EPA and DHA, with and without aspirin, would reduce plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis factors more than aspirin alone and before aspirin was ingested. Methods Using multiplex technology, we investigated the effects of aspirin (single-dose 650 mg on day 1), EPA+DHA (3.4 g/d for days 2-29), and aspirin with EPA+DHA (day 30) on plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenesis factors in healthy adults. Results Aspirin alone had no effect on any factor versus baseline, but EPA+DHA, with and without aspirin, significantly reduced concentrations of 8 of 9 factors. Although EPA+DHA plus aspirin reduced concentrations of a subset of the factors compared to baseline, neither aspirin alone nor the combination significantly reduced the level of any analyte more robustly than EPA+DHA alone. Conclusions These data suggest that EPA+DHA has more pronounced down-regulatory effects on inflammation and angiogenesis than aspirin. The implications of these findings for the use of combined therapy for cardiovascular disease remain to be clarified.

Association between Regular Aspirin Use and Circulating Markers of Inflammation: A Study within the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial

“…We utilized a well-validated technology to measure the 78 markers of inflammation and used a novel two-stage design that allowed for the reweighting of the analysis to the population-based PLCO screening arm. While we did not observe significant associations, our results are in agreement with previous studies in similar populations (9, 11, 14, 16, 31). …”

“…: chronic heart disease and metabolic syndrome) (7, 9-13, 15). As with this current analysis, previous studies conducted in healthy populations have consistently failed to show an association between aspirin use and any of the inflammatory markers examined in the studies (9, 11, 14, 16, 31). Individuals with chronic inflammation may be physiologically different than healthy individuals and would be expected to have higher baseline levels of inflammation, therefore reductions of serum levels of inflammatory markers may be more pronounced in populations with pre-existing disease as compared to healthy individuals.…”

“…Inflammatory markers that have been inconsistently associated with aspirin use in previous studies include C-reactive protein (CRP), TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 and CCL2 (7, 9-14, 31). While these markers were included within our panels, we did not observe associations between aspirin use and these markers in our current study.…”

The effects of aspirin on platelet function and lysophosphatidic acids depend on plasma concentrations of EPA and DHA

“…Described in an earlier publication[27], whole blood electrical impedance platelet aggregation was conducted using a Chronolog Whole Blood Lumi-Aggregometer® (Model 560VS) with reagents from Chronolog Corporation (Havertown, PA). The following agonists were tested within 2 hours of the phlebotomy: ADP at 2.5 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM; collagen at 1 and 2 mg/ml; and arachidonic acid at 0.5 mM.…”

Addition of aspirin to a fish oil-rich diet decreases inflammation and atherosclerosis in ApoE-null mice

“…This has largely been attributed to its anti-platelet effect [6], but possibly also because of its general anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties from the biosynthesis of aspirin-triggered lipid mediators derived from essential fatty acids [7, 8]. Recent clinical trials have found that treatment with fish oils in combination with ASA led to significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines and that these two agents can work synergistically in lowering CVD risk [9, 10]. …”