October 22/Pharma Law Weekly -- According to recent research published in the journal Lipids, "Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate that the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) as a triacylglycerol (TAG) or an ethyl ester are protective against cardiovascular disease. Both have significant TAG-lowering effects."

"We developed a concentrated ethyl ester of DHA (MATK-90, 900mg/g) using microalgae as its source. This study evaluated the effects that different doses of MATK-90 had on lipid levels and clinical parameters in male Wistar rats fed a high-fructose diet used to induce hypertriglyceridemia (TAG a parts per thousand yen 300mg/dL). Effects of MATK-90 were compared to those produced by a pharmaceutical product (Lovaza, formerly Omacor, P-OM3; 465mg EPA + 375mg DHA), a TAG oil used in food (DHASCO, algal-DHA, 40% DHA by weight), and a control (corn oil). Doses of MATK-90 (0.6, 1.3, 2.5, 5.0g kg(-1) day(-1)), algal-DHA (2g DHA kg(-1) day(-1)), and P-OM3 (5.0g kg(-1) day(-1)) were administered by oral gavage for 28 days. A significant dose-related decrease was observed in TAG and cholesterol levels in all but the lowest dose of MATK-90 treatment group vs. control," wrote A.S. Ryan and colleagues.

The researchers concluded, "The high-dose group of MATK-90 and the P-OM3 group produced similar reductions in TAG levels."

Ryan and colleagues published their study in Lipids ("The Hypolipidemic Effect of an Ethyl Ester of Algal-Docosahexaenoic Acid in Rats Fed a High-Fructose Diet." Lipids, 2009;44(9):817-826).

For additional information, contact A.S. Ryan, Martek Bioscience Corp., 6480 Dobbin Rd., Columbia, MD 21045.

From the October 26, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition