Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is increased by omega-3 fatty acids in coronary artery disease: a randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Diminution of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a chief role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). One of the beneficial effects of Omega-3 fatty acids is to modulate the secretion of BDNF. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on serum BDNF in men with CAD. Methods: Forty-eight CAD male patients were randomly assigned to either the Omega-3 (n=24) or placebo (n=24) group by permuted block randomization method. Forty-five subjects completed the study (Omega-3, n = 24; placebo, n = 21). In the omega-3 group each subject received 4 omega-3 soft gels per day (720 mg eicosapentaenoic acid plus 480 mg docosahexaenoic acid), while each subject in the placebo group received 4 placebo soft gels (edible paraffin) for a period of 8 weeks. Serum BDNF, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum LDL, anthropometric indices, food intake and physical activity were evaluated before and after intervention. Results: Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation increased serum BDNF (p= 0.015) while decreased serum hs-CRP (p=0.018) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.031). Furthermore omega-3 fatty acids supplementation did not result in any significant changes in anthropometric measurements (p 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Following omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, CAD male patients may benefit of increasing BDNF and decreasing serum hs-CRP and LDL levels. (NCTO2382471).