Erythrocyte deformability and aggregability in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery and effects of two infusions with omega-3 fatty acids

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Bakker, Nathalie^a | Schoorl, Marianne^a | Stoutjesdijk, Eline^b | Houdijk, Alexander P.J.^{a; *}

Affiliations: [a] Northwest Clinics Alkmaar, The Netherlands | [b] University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Dr. A.P.J. Houdijk, Department of Surgery, Northwest Clinics Alkmaar, Wilhelminalaan 12, 1815 JD Alkmaar, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 72 548 4444 pager 5383; E-mail: .a.p.j.houdijk@nwz.nl.

Abstract: BACKGROUND:An adequate erythrocyte function is vital for tissue oxygenation and wound healing. The erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition plays an important role in erythrocyte function and administration of omega-3 fatty acids may provide a means to improve it. OBJECTIVE:To investigate peri-operative erythrocyte function and effects of omega-3 fatty acids METHODS:Forty-four patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colon resection for non-metastasized cancer were randomized between intravenous omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) or placebo (saline). Peri-operative blood samples were analyzed with a Lorrca MaxSIS Ektacytometer and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were determined with gas chromatography. RESULTS:Patient and operation characteristics were equal between groups. There was a significant increase in erythrocyte membrane eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but not docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the n-PUFA group. There were no significant differences in erythrocyte deformability but the aggregation index (AI) was significantly lower and the aggregation half time (T½) was significantly higher in the n-3 PUFA group. CONCLUSION:This study confirms rapid changes in erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition after administration of intravenous n-3 PUFAs. Erythrocyte deformability parameters were not affected but erythrocyte aggregability was decreased in the n-3 PUFA group. Further investigation is necessary to gain more insights in the effects of n-3 PUFA and the postoperative inflammatory response on erythrocyte function.

Keywords: Erythrocytes, deformability, aggregability, colon cancer surgery, omega-3 fatty acids

DOI: 10.3233/CH-190687

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 287-297, 2020