RESEARCH - Effects of omega-3 acid ethyl esters and aspirin, alone and in combination, on platelet function in healthy subjects

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Thromb Haemost. 2008 Oct;100(4):634-41.

Effects of omega-3 acid ethyl esters and aspirin, alone and in

combination, on platelet function in healthy subjects.

Larson MK, Ashmore JH, KA, Vogelaar JL, Pottala JV, Sprehe M, WS.

Sanford Research/USD, 1100 E. 21st Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA.

Omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) from oily fish are clinically useful for

lowering triglycerides and reducing risk of heart attacks.

Accordingly, patients at risk are often advised to take both aspirin

and n-3 FA. However, both of these agents can increase bleeding times,

and the extent to which the combination inhibits platelet function is

unknown. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the effects

of a prescription omega-3 FA product (P-OM3) and aspirin, alone and in

combination, on platelet aggregation assessed by whole blood impedance

aggregometry (WBA). Ten healthy volunteers provided blood samples on

four separate occasions: Day 1, baseline; Day 2, one day after taking

aspirin (2 x 325 mg tablets); Day 29, after 28 days of P-OM3 (4

capsules/day); and Day 30, after one day of combined P-OM3 and

aspirin. WBA was tested with two concentrations of collagen, with ADP

and with a thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP). Compared to

baseline, aspirin alone inhibited aggregation only with low-dose

collagen stimulation; P-OM3 alone did not inhibit aggregation with any

agonist; and combined therapy inhibited aggregation with all agonists

but TRAP. Significant interactions between interventions were not

observed in response to any agonist. In conclusion, P-OM3 alone did

not inhibit platelet aggregation, but did (with two agonists) when

combined with aspirin. Since previous studies have not reported a

clinically significant risk for bleeding in subjects on combined

therapy, P-OM3 may safely enhance the anti-platelet effect of aspirin.

PMID: 18841286

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18841286

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