Erythrocyte levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were negatively associated with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in Korean women

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that erythrocyte level of the omega-3 PUFAs is associated with the risk of RA and indicators of RA activities in women with RA. One hundred and one female RA patients and one hundred thirty two healthy women were participated, and erythrocyte fatty acid composition and RA disease activities were evaluated. Erythrocyte levels of α-linolenic acid (18:3n3; ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n3), and Omega-3 Index were significantly lower in RA patients than healthy controls. Multivariable-adjusted regression analysis showed that a higher level of ALA, EPA, and the ratio of EPA/arachidonic acid significantly decreased the risk of RA after adjusting for body weight and smoking status. PGE2 concentration was also inversely related with the level of erythrocyte DHA among RA patients. In addition, the risk of RA and RA disease activities were positively associated with erythrocyte levels of arachidonic acid, saturated fatty acids, and trans fatty acid. In conclusion, erythrocyte levels of omega-3 PUFAs were associated with decreased risk for RA in Korean women.