Relationship Between Serum Eicosapentaenoic Acid to Arachidonic Acid Ratio and Atherosclerotic Risk Factors in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Abstract

Background:

The eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid ratio (EPA/AA) is attracting attention as a risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, there have been few studies investigating the relationship between the EPA/AA ratio and atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with PAD. The purpose of the present study was to analyze atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with PAD to identify those factors associated with a low EPA/AA ratio.

Methods.

The data of patients treated for symptomatic PAD at Tokyo Medical University Hospital and Eniwa Midorino Clinic between April 2014 and March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results.

A total of 149 patients were tested for blood levels of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, including EPA and AA. 73 patients had a low EPA/AA ratio (<0.4) and 76 patients had a high EPA/AA ratio (≥ 0.4). Univariate analysis showed that older age (≥ 75 years), female sex, smoking history, body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin A_1C (HbA_1C) were associated with the low EPA/AA ratio. Multivariable analysis showed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.34; 95% confidential interval [CI], 0.15-0.76; p = 0.008), BMI (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.98; p = 0.027), smoking history (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.09-6.55; p = 0.007), and HbA_1C (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.29-0.72; p = 0.020) were independently associated with the low EPA/AA ratio.

Conclusions.

The EPA/AA ratio was related to existing arteriosclerotic risk factors in patients with PAD; it was positively correlated with older age, increasing BMI, and higher HbA_1C, whereas it was negatively correlated with smoking history. These results suggest that the EPA/AA ratio may be closely intertwined with other atherosclerotic risk factors and have an influence on cardiovascular health.