Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2011:2011:827286.
doi: 10.1155/2011/827286. Epub 2011 Oct 9.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with marine and botanical oils: influence on serum lipids

Barbara C Olendzki  1 , Katherine Leung, Susan Van Buskirk, George Reed, Robert B Zurier
Affiliations

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with marine and botanical oils: influence on serum lipids

Barbara C Olendzki et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011.

Abstract

The gap in mortality between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the general population (1.5-3.0 fold risk) is increasing. This disparity is attributable mainly to cardiovascular disease (CVD), as the CVD risk is comparable to patients with diabetes mellitus. The purpose of this study is to determine whether borage seed oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid, fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or the combination of both oils are useful treatments for dyslipidemia in patients with RA. We randomized patients into a double blind, 18 month trial. Mixed effects models were used to compare trends over time in serum lipids. No significant differences were observed between the three groups: All three treatment groups exhibited similar meaningful improvement in the lipid profile at 9 and 18 months. When all groups were combined, these treatments significantly reduced total and LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, increased HDL-cholesterol, and improved the atherogenic index. All improvements observed at 9 months persisted at 18 months (P < 0.001 verses baseline). Conclusion. Marine and botanical oils may be useful treatment for rheumatoid arthritis patients who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease compared to the general population.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Boers M, Dijkmans B, Gabriel S, Maradit-Kremers H, O’Dell J, Pincus T. Making an impact on mortality in rheumatoid arthritis: targeting cardiovascular comorbidity. Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2004;50(6):1734–1739. - PubMed
    1. van Halm VP, Peters MJL, Voskuyl AE, et al. Rheumatoid arthritis versus diabetes as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease: a cross-sectional study, the CARRÉ Investigation. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2009;68(9):1395–1400. - PubMed
    1. van Halm VP, Nielen MM, Nurmohamed MT, et al. Lipids and inflammation: Serial measurements of the lipid profile of blood donors who later developed rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2007;66(2):184–188. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Yoo WH. Dyslipoproteinemia in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: effects of disease activity, sex, and menopausal status on lipid profiles. Journal of Rheumatology. 2004;31(9):1746–1753. - PubMed
    1. Kerekes G, Szekanecz Z, Dér H, et al. Endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis: a multiparametric analysis using imaging techniques and laboratory markers of inflammation and autoimmunity. Journal of Rheumatology. 2008;35(3):398–406. - PubMed