(P06-118-20) Do Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids Have Similar Effects on Inflammation Markers? Pairwise and Network Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of DHA and EPA on several markers of systemic inflammation by pairwise and network meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library were searched through September 2019. We included RCTs of ≥7 days that directly compared the effects of DHA with EPA and RCTs of indirect comparisons, in which the effects of DHA or EPA were assessed individually compared with a control fatty acid. Differences in circulating concentrations of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and adiponectin were the primary outcome. Data were pooled by pairwise and network meta-analysis and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I2 statistic) in the pairwise meta-analysis. Inconsistency and transitivity were evaluated in the network meta-analysis. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation).

Results: Eligibility criteria were met by 5 RCTs (N=411) for the pairwise meta-analysis and 20 RCTs (N=1231) for the network meta-analysis. In the pairwise meta-analysis, DHA and EPA had similar effects on plasma CRP (MD_{DHA vs. EPA}=0.14 mg/L [95% CI -0.57, 0.85]; I2=61%), IL-6 (MD_{DHA vs. EPA}=0.10 pg/mL [-0.15, 0.34]; I2=40%) and TNF-α (MD_{DHA vs. EPA}=-0.10 pg/mL [-0.37, 0.18]; I2=40%). The effects of DHA and EPA on plasma CRP (MD_{DHA vs. EPA}=-0.33 mg/L [-0.75, 0.10]), IL-6 (MD_{DHA vs. EPA}=0.09 pg/mL [-0.12, 0.30]) and TNF-α (MD_{DHA vs. EPA}=-0.02 pg/mL [-0.25, 0.20]) were also similar according to the network meta-analysis. DHA and EPA had similar effects on plasma adiponectin in the network meta-analysis.

Conclusions: The present pairwise and network meta-analyses comparing EPA to DHA suggest that DHA and EPA do not differentially modify systemic markers of subclinical inflammation.

Funding Sources: The authors have no funding to report.