Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplementation can affect gene expressions of SIRT1, FOXO1 and UCP-2 in coronary artery disease patients

Abstract Aims This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study was carried out to assess effects of omega-3 supplementation alone and in combination with vitamin E on gene expressions of SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6, FOXO1, FOXO3 and UCP-2 in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods Participants of this RCT included 60 male CAD patients who classified into three study groups using block randomization, including 1) OE receiving omega-3 fatty acids (EPA: 720 mg, DHA: 480 mg) and vitamin E (400 IU); 2) OP receiving omega3 fatty acids (EPA: 720 mg, DHA: 480 mg) and vitamin E placebo; and 3) PP receiving omega-3 and vitamin E placebos for two months. Results In compared to PP group, gene expression of SIRT1 increased significantly in OE group (P = 0.037) while this group experienced significant decrease in gene expression of UCP-2 (P = 0.035). The expression of FOXO1 increased significantly in both OE and OP groups in compared to PP group (P = 0.021 and P = 0.035, respectively). However, gene expressions of SIRT3, SIRT6 and FOXO3 were not different between study groups. Conclusion The current study has shown that omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplementation can increase gene expressions of SIRT1, FOXO1 while it can decrease gene expression of UCP-2 in CAD patients.