Efficacy of omega‑3 polyunsaturated fatty acid drugs in hypertriglyceridemia: a review of the evidence

Hypertriglyceridemia is a pathological condition characterized by a persistent elevation of serum triglyceride levels above 1,7 mmol/L, associated with increased cardiovascular risk and, at values above 10,0 mmol/L, with a high risk of developing acute pancreatitis. In contrast to elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, an increase in triglyceride levels results from the accumulation of various triglyceride-rich lipoproteins: chylomicrons, very-low-density lipoproteins, intermediate-density lipoproteins, and chylomicron remnants. Such diversity of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in hypertriglyceridemia creates certain difficulties in selecting treatment strategies. It has been shown that a reduction in triglyceride levels can be achieved by prescribing a drug containing a combination of 46% eicosapentaenoic acid and 38% docosahexaenoic acid omega‑3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The aim of the present review is to present current data on the pharmacological potential of omega‑3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia.