Effect of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Regression of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Statin Treated Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background and Objectives: Statins remain the mainstay of secondary coronary artery disease (CAD) prevention, but n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (${\omega}-3$ PUFA) display biological effects that may also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and CAD. However, data on the possible antiatherosclerotic benefits of adding ${\omega}-3$ PUFA to statin therapy are limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential additive effects of ${\omega}-3$ PUFA on regression of atherosclerosis in CAD patients receiving statin therapy and stent implantation. Subjects and Methods: Seventy-four CAD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation were enrolled, prescribed statins, and randomly assigned to two groups: n-3 group (${\omega}-3$ PUFA 3 g/day, n=38) or placebo group (placebo, n=36). All patients completed the study follow-up consisting of an intravascular ultrasound at baseline and at 12 months. Results: There was no difference in the baseline characteristics and distribution of other medications. No significant differences were observed in primary endpoints, including changes in atheroma volume index (-12.65% vs. -8.51%, p=0.768) and percent atheroma volume (-4.36% vs. -9.98%, p=0.526), and in secondary endpoints including a change in neointimal volume index (7.84 vs. $4.94mm^3/mm$, p=0.087). Conclusion: ${\omega}-3$ PUFA had no definite additional effect on the regression of coronary atherosclerosis when added to statin in CAD patients undergoing PCI.