Studies have reported elevated serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels followed by ω-3 supplementation in various groups. Considering decreased level of IGF1 in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and protective effects of IGF1 against CVD progression and myocardial infarctions mortality, this study was performed with the aim of determining effects of ω-3 supplementation on serum levels and gene expression of IGF1 and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) in men with CVD.

Sixty-two middle-aged (55.9 ± 6.5 y) non-obese men with CVD followed the study protocol in two groups of ω-3 (n = 31) or placebo (n = 31) supplementation. Participants took ω-3 supplement or placebo (edible paraffin) for 8 wk and were asked not to change their diet or physical activity plan. Anthropometric and lipid profile characteristics, serum IGF1, serum IGFBP3 and also IGF1 and IGFBP3 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured in all participants before and after the intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

There were no significant differences between the two study groups in age and body mass index at baseline. The groups also had no difference in baseline serum low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, triacylglycerols, and IGF1. Compared with placebo, ω-3 supplementation increased serum IGF1 levels (P = 0.01), and decreased serum level of IGFBP3 (P = 0.02). There was a trending toward an increase in IGF1 expression and nonsignificant decrease in IGFBP3 expression.

ω-3 supplementation in patients with CVD increases serum IGF1 levels and decreases serum IGFBP3. Further research is warranted to investigate the underlying mechanisms.