Synergistic effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and aspirin in the clinical practice – a narrative review

Abstract

The review aimed to illustrate the structure, role and effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) in combination with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin, ASA) in various clinical cases. This verification of earlier single studies may be a guide in the further treatment of civilization diseases. The results of the presented narrative review suggest that aspirin supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduces pro-inflammatory biomarkers in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Including adequate amounts of omega 3-PUFAs in therapy, rather than increasing the dose of acetylsalicylic acid, may contribute to beneficial effects in treating thrombosis and preventing myocardial infarction or other cardiovascular diseases, which is particularly important in aspirin-resistant patients. As suggested in the literature, a low daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids was effective in slowing the progression of kidney disease with IgA nephropathy. Aspirin supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids has improved clinical and immunological outcomes in the treatment of periodontitis or the therapy of colorectal cancer tumor lesions. The synergistic effect of both compounds is proposed as a new therapeutic option in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Further research into the synergistic effects of omega-3 fatty acids in combination with acetylsalicylic acid may provide a breakthrough in drug dose reduction, ultimately enabling more effective and safer pharmacotherapy for the patient. Therefore, studies on polyunsaturated fatty acids in combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in vivo are needed.

Keywords

• clinical practice
• inflammation
• synergism
• aspirin
• omega-3 fatty acids
• narrative review.