Anti-thrombotic and anti-atherogenic action of eicosapentaenoic acid.

Effects of dietary supplementation with highly purified EPA (1.8-2.7 g/day) for 16 weeks on platelet and red blood cell function and serum lipids concentration were investigated in patients with various thrombotic diseases. Decreases in platelet aggregation, thromboxane formation in platelets, platelet retention and whole blood viscosity, increased red blood cell deformation and prolongation of bleeding time were observed in the present study. In addition a reduction in serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations was noted in patients with hyperlipidemia after EPA ingestion. Some clinical improvements such as improvement of diabetic gangrene or peripheral vascular occlusive disease were observed. These results indicate that dietary supplementation of purified EPA may be beneficial for prevention and treatment of cerebro- and cardiovascular diseases.