Effect of EPA and DHA in the Inflammation and Metabolic Disorders in DMD/DMB Patients

Effect of Eicosapentaenoic Fatty Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Fatty Acids (DHA) Supplementation on the Inflammation State and Metabolic Disorders in Patients With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or Becker Muscular Dystrophy

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of docosahexaenoic fatty acid and eicosapentaenoic fatty acid supplementation for six months on the inflammation state as well as the process of muscular regeneration and the metabolic disorders like obesity and insulin resistance in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMB) compared to those receiving placebo.

DMD and DMB are X-linked diseases caused by mutations in the DMD gene, these mutations have important functional and structural consequences in skeletal muscle. In muscle fiber is observed inflammation and necrosis as a result of lost regenerative capacity. The muscle fibers can be replaced by connective and adipose tissue. In a previous study the investigators identified that 50% of Duchenne and Becker patients in the range of thirteen years old have obesity. In addition, these patients (N=66) have hyperinsulinemia (53.7%) and insulin resistance (48.5%). It is well known that obesity, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance have a inflammatory background.

It has been demonstrated that eicosapentaenoic fatty acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic fatty acid (DHA) exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and have beneficial effects on obesity, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in children and adolescents.

Objective: Determine the effect of EPA and DHA on inflammation, obesity and insulin resistance in patients with DMD/DMB compared to those receiving placebo.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Written informed consent and assent by the patient and both parents or guardian.
• Patients with clinical diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) or Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DMB)
• Patients were not under treatment with corticosteroids

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients decided to withdraw from the study
• Consumption of dietary supplements containing polyunsaturated fatty acids omega 3.
• With hypersensitivity to fish oil.
• Patients with respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. Medical responsible assessment the presence of respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.
• Patients with difficulty swallowing food, including those who have the difficulty ingesting oil capsules.
• Gastrostomy fed patients.