Presenter Bio: Vasiliy Yurasov (PhD, MD) is the Medical Science Director of the scientific laboratory "Chromolab", Moscow, Russian Federation. Vasiliy Yurasov specializes in metabolomics, steroidogenesis, mass-spectrometry application in clinical medicine.
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(within past 24 months)
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Abstract
Introduction: Fatty acids (FA) - organic compounds belonging to the group of carboxylic acids, the molecules of which contain a different number of carbon atoms (from 10 to 20). FA are divided into saturated (only single bonds), monounsaturated (with one double bond), and polyunsaturated (with several double bonds). The Omega-3 Index reflects the relative amount of omega-3 FA within red blood cell membranes. Many studies show that a low Omega-3 Index is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and it has been proposed that raising the index may help to reduce CVD risk. Measurements of FA in red blood cell membranes can provide important information about FA intake. In different regions of the world the value of the Omega-3 Index in the population varies considerably due to the peculiarities of nutrition. The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of age and gender on the Omega-3 Index in the average Caucasian population.
Materials and methods. Whole blood samples were obtained from 4362 people aged 20 - 70 years old (1395 males and 2967 females). The content of FA in the blood was determined by using gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detector. The method involves the preliminary derivatization by acetyl chloride followed by extraction with hexane. Omega-3 Index for whole blood (EPA + DHA to total content of FA) is expressed as the percentage.
Results. It was found that the value of Omega-3 Index increases from 20 years (4.39%) to 50 years (5.38%). After 50 years the magnitude of the flex begins to decrease gradually. Depending on gender the average Omega-3 Index in men was lower than in women, respectively 4.75% versus 5.08%. The total sample by age was divided into decades. In all age groups for women the index value was higher. The highest Omega-3 Index was observed in both men and women in the period from 30 to 69 years.
Conclusions. According to the data obtained it can be concluded that the value of the Omega-3 Index corresponding to the greatest risk of CVD occurrence is observed in age periods of 20–29 years and after 70 years. The study revealed a clear dependence of the Omega-3 Index on gender and age, which requires clarification of target values for this marker of the risk of CVD.
= Discovery stage.
= Translation stage.
= Clinically available.
