The Effect of Eicosapentanoic Acid Administration on Inflammatory Markers and Clinical Outcome of Patients with Major Depression: A Pilot Study

Background. Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects approximately 10% of the world population and leads to significant disability. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of Omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) administration on the clinical outcome and inflammatory markers of patients with depression. Patients and Methods. A prospective, randomized controlled study conducted at the outpatient clinics of Alzahraa University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt on patients diagnosed with depression according to a strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Forty-two patients were randomly assigned to either; Group1; (intervention n=21); received the prescribed antidepressant + omega3 (2100mg) for 8 weeks, or Group 2; (control, n=21); received the prescribed antidepressant only for 8 weeks. Baseline evaluation and 8-week assessment included; patient demographic data collection, history taking and clinical assessment of Diagnostic statistical manual for mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) criteria & Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D score). Laboratory assessment included tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. Patients were followed up regularly every week for 8 weeks for the occurrence of side effects due to antidepressants/ Omega 3 and compliance with medications. Results. The 2 groups were comparable at baseline. The test group showed a significant improvement in the HAM-D score & a reduction in TNF-α levels from baseline values and versus the control. There was no significant difference in the reported side effects between the 2 groups. Conclusion. Omega -3 PUFAs administration at a dose of 2100 mg for 8 weeks, improved depression symptoms and reduced inflammatory markers & was well tolerated.