DECREASES IN PLASMA LIPID CONTENT AND THROMBOTIC ACTIVITY BY ETHYL ICOSAPENTATE PURIFIED FROM FISH OILS

Abstract The effects of ethyl icosapentate (purified from fish oils) on plasma lipids, activity of coagulation factors VII and X, and content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were examined in 28 patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia. After 8 weeks, ethyl icosapentate at 1800 mg daily significantly decreased plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, activity of coagulation factors VII and X, and content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 without deleterious effects on plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and plasma apolipoproteins. Activity of coagulation factors VII and X and the content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 correlated with triglyceride levels at week 0 while only coagulation factor VII correlated with total cholesterol at week 0. Changes in coagulation factor activity and content of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 did not correlate with that of plasma total cholesterol or triglyceride after 8 weeks. Purified ethyl icosapentate would thus appear to have an antiatherogenic effect and could be essential in the control of coronary heart disease by lowering plasma lipid content and increasing antithrombotic action.