Effect of compound fish oil capsules on microvascular function in hypertensive individuals: a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial

Abstract

Background. Research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids, resveratrol, astaxanthin, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) possess anti-inflammatory properties, and their vascular benefits have been well-documented. This is a pilot study aimed at comprehensively evaluating the potential impact of the compound fish oil capsules on the microcirculation of multiple organs. Methods. In a triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 64 hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to either the compound fish oil (FO) group or the corn oil (CO) group (n = 32 per group) for a 3-week intervention. Participants were required to consume 2 capsules of the corresponding oil daily. The microcirculation functions of the heart, skin, and brain were examined by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE), laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), respectively. Data were primarily analyzed according to an intention-to-treat approach. Findings. In the left anterior descending artery (LAD), the end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and peak diastolic velocity (PDV) significantly increased in the FO group. The mean differences in change were 1.95 (0.13, 3.77; p = 0.036) and 2.95 (0.48, 5.41; p = 0.020), respectively. The resistance index (RI) showed a decreasing trend in the FO group, but the result was non-significant (p = 0.071). No significant differences were observed in blood pressure, brain and skin microcirculation parameters among the different groups. Interpretation. Compound fish oil capsules did not significantly improve RH. But compound fish oil capsules improved EDV and PDV levels in the LAD of hypertensive patients.