Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements vs. Placebo for Patients With Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplements vs. Placebo for Patients With Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occurs in 2-3% of the US population and carries a 15-20% chance of progression to cirrhosis. It is closely associated with obesity, hyperlipidemia and insulin resistance. Therapy usually includes recommendations to increase exercise and to begin weight reducing diets but these goals are variably achieved and their relative effects in conjunction with pharmacological intervention have not been well defined. Moreover, these lifestyle changes can confound results of treatment trials if not quantified through conditioning testing and measures of body fat. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially formulation rich in omega-3, are widely accepted and endorsed in the medical community for their beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia and coronary disease risk reduction. Recent data suggests that omega-3 fatty acids ameliorate hepatic steatosis in humans and in animal models of NASH by reducing hepatic fat content. We hypothesize that a one year course of omega-3 fatty acid (3gm/day) will produce improvement in NASH histological injury independent of changes in weight (BMI) or degree of conditioning measured by the lactate threshold. The effects of the supplement will be compared to a placebo group and controlled for these lifestyle changes.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. NASH with NAS (NASH Activity Score) of >4 evident on a biopsy performed within 6 months of enrollment.
2. Age 21 years or older.
3. BMI 25 or greater.
4. Ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cirrhosis evident clinically or on biopsy.
2. Secondary forms of NASH such as that seen with bariatric surgery or medication induced from such medications as methotrexate, amiodarone, tamoxifen, corticosteroids.
3. Current or past history of diabetes or hyperlipidemia requiring specific drug therapy (see below).
4. Current use of a weight loss medicine, such as a 'fat-burner' or similar agent
5. Alcohol consumption > 30 g/day, currently or for more than 3 consecutive months within 5 years.
6. Other liver disease (hepatitis C,B, Wilson's, autoimmune, ct-1-antitrypsin and hemochromatosis or HIV
7. Pregnancy or unwillingness to use an effective form of birth control for women of child bearing years.
8. Renal insufficiency (creatinine > 2), symptomatic coronary, peripheral or neurovascular disease, symptomatic heart failure or advanced respiratory disease requiring oxygen therapy.
9. Inability to provide informed consent.
10. Any condition in the opinion of the primary investigator that would contraindicate the patient's participation.