APOE genotype, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation and n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) levels in patients with multiple colorectal polyps: A secondary analysis of the seAFOod polyp prevention trial.

Introduction: We examined the relationship between Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) levels in participants of the seAFOod trial, who were undergoing colonoscopy surveillance after removal of colorectal polyps.

Methods: Baseline and on-treatment (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] 2 g daily or placebo for 6 months) levels of n-3 HUFAs, and plasma 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE), were analysed according to APOE genotype (based on polymorphisms rs429358 and rs7412) in 584 participants.

Results: Before treatment, APOE2/2 individuals had lower levels, and APOE4/4 participants had higher levels, of n-3 HUFAs, including EPA, than APOE3/3 counterparts (P < 0.01 for the APOE2/2 versus APOE4/4 comparison). After EPA supplementation, n-3 HUFA levels were not significantly different when stratified by APOE genotype, although APOE4 carriers displayed lower plasma 18-HEPE levels than individuals without an APOE4 allele (P = 0.002).

Conclusions: APOE genotype is associated with differential n-3 HUFA and 18-HEPE levels in individuals with multiple colorectal polyps.