Article date: August 1990
By: AB Hawthorne, BL Filipowicz, TJ Edwards, CJ Hawkey, in Volume 30, Issue 2, pages 187-194
1. A 93% pure ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid was investigated for tolerability and biochemical effects on neutrophil leukotriene synthesis and plasma lipoproteins when given in high dose. Six healthy volunteers received 6 g eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester daily for 6 weeks, followed by a 4 week wash‐out and then 18 g daily for 6 weeks. 2. There was inhibition of neutrophil leukotriene B4 and 5‐ hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid synthesis, with no significant differences between low and high dose. 3. There was a dose dependent increase in leukotriene B5 and 5‐hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid acid synthesis. 4. Plasma triglycerides were reduced maximally on 6 g daily, with no greater suppression at 18 g daily. 5. Plasma cholesterol was only suppressed significantly at 18 g daily. 6. The 6 g daily dose was well tolerated but the 18 g daily dose produced diarrhoea and steatorrhoea.
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.1990.tb03764.x
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