High-oleic safflower oil capsules for 12 weeks

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

96-well high-throughput aggregometry technique, allowing testing of a wide range of concentrations of different agonists, was used to examine the influence of n-3 PUFA supplementation on platelet function. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from each study visit was used in the platelet aggregation assay using pre-prepared 96-well microplates, containing the agonists (ADP, EPI, TRAP-6 and U46619). Dose-response curves in response to each agonist were obtained and results were represented as a LogEC50 (log concentration of agonist, M, giving a response halfway between maximum and minimum aggregation).

96-well high-throughput aggregometry technique, allowing testing of a wide range of concentrations of different agonists, was used to examine the influence of n-3 PUFA supplementation on platelet function. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from each study visit was used in the platelet aggregation assay using pre-prepared 96-well microplates, containing the agonists (CRP-XL). Dose-response curves in response to each agonist were obtained and results were represented as a LogEC50 (log concentration of agonist, mg/ml, giving a response halfway between maximum and minimum aggregation).

Ex vivo thrombus formation was measured by the addition of in vitro-generated PDEVs from stimulated platelets into whole blood under flow. Results were presented as three variables: (i) endpoint for ex vivo thrombus formation (FU); (ii) endpoint for ex vivo thrombus formation (FU); (iii) area under curve.

Ex vivo thrombus formation was measured by the addition of in vitro-generated PDEVs from stimulated platelets into whole blood under flow. Results were presented as three variables: (i) endpoint for ex vivo thrombus formation (FU); (ii) endpoint for ex vivo thrombus formation (FU); (iii) area under curve.

A 500μl aliquot of frozen PFP was defrosted at room temperature using a roller mixer and subjected to SEC for the isolation and purification of EVs. The fractions 7~9 were pooled together, and 800μl of pooled fractions was prepared for total lipid extraction and methyl esterification. The EV total lipid methyl esters were then analysed by gas chromatography on a Hewlett-Packard 6890 series GC (Hewlett-Packard, California, United States), with the following protocol: split ratio was set as 30:1 for plasma and EV analysis. The injection volume was 1μl for plasma and 5μl for EVs, respectively. The temperature of both injector and detector were kept at 300°C and the temperature program was initial temperature 115°C for 2 minutes, increased at 10 °C/min to 200°C and hold at this temperature for 16 minutes, and finally increased at 60°C/min to 240°C for 2 minutes (total run time: 29.2 minutes). Samples were analysed by using ChemStation software and Microsoft Excel.

A 400μl aliquot of frozen PFP was defrosted and centrifuged to remove denatured protein. The 400μl of 0.9% NaCl was added to the PFP sample to make up 800μl in total, and 30μg of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and 15μg of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) internal standards were then added for the quantitative analysis. After lipid extraction, separation of PC and PE, and methyl esterification of plasma phospholipid extracts, samples were analysed by GC.

A 250μl aliquot of frozen PFP was defrosted at room temperature using a roller mixer and centrifuged at 500xg for 5 minutes at room temperature (Eppendorf Centrifuge 5415 R, DJBlabcare, United Kingdom). Then the sample was analysed by a RANDOX clinical analyser (RANDOX Daytona+ Analyser, Randox Laboratories Ltd, United Kingdom) for the concentration of TC, TAG, HDL-C, LDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio.

A 250μl aliquot of frozen PFP was defrosted at room temperature using a roller mixer and centrifuged at 500xg for 5 minutes at room temperature (Eppendorf Centrifuge 5415 R, DJBlabcare, United Kingdom). Then the sample was analysed by a RANDOX clinical analyser (RANDOX Daytona+ Analyser, Randox Laboratories Ltd, United Kingdom) for TC/HDL-C ratio.

Subjects were asked to have a rest for 10 mins before blood pressure detection, and then blood pressure cuff was placed firmly on their upper left arms approximately 2 cm above the elbow with the indicator mark on the cuff over the brachial artery to start measurement. Subjects should put their arms at the level of the heart and should not speak and cross their legs during the measurement. Measurement was performed three times and waited for 2 mins between each reading ((Omron M2 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor, OMRON Healthcare Europe BV, United Kingdom). The average of the three readings was taken to obtain the final result.

Participants received placebo capsules three times per day with meals for in the first 12-week period and after 12-week wash-out, they received fish oil capsules for a further 12 weeks.

Fish oil capsules: each serving contains 360mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 270mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total supplement is 1.8 g per day n-3 PUFA

Placebo capsules: high-oleic safflower oil capsules

Total of all reporting groups

QRISK2, as a scoring system to evaluate cardiovascular risk, includes age, gender, ethnicity, United Kingdom postcode, smoking status, disease information, family history, the ratio of plasma TC to HDL-C, SBP, height and weight, and provides a percentage of risk of having a heart attack or stroke within the next ten years (https://qrisk.org/2017/).

Participants who received high-oleic safflower oil capsules three times per day with meals in either the first or last 12 weeks of the study.

A 5μl of PFP was added into nonsticky microcentrifuge tubes (Alpha Laboratories Ltd, Hampshire, United Kingdom), which contained 5μl FcR blocking reagent (Miltenyi Biotec Ltd, Surrey, United Kingdom) and Annexin V buffer and incubated for 15 minutes in the dark at room temperature. Antibodies and isotype-matched controls were then added and samples incubated for another 15 minutes in the dark at room temperature. After incubation, samples were diluted with 200μl Annexin V buffer and transferred into FACS flow tubes (BD Biosciences, Wokingham, United Kingdom), ready to be analysed by FCM. PS+EVs were identified as Annexin V+EVs when triggering on APC fluorescence.

A 5μl of PFP was added into nonsticky microcentrifuge tubes (Alpha Laboratories Ltd, Hampshire, United Kingdom), which contained 5μl FcR blocking reagent (Miltenyi Biotec Ltd, Surrey, United Kingdom) and Annexin V buffer and incubated for 15 minutes in the dark at room temperature. Antibodies and isotype-matched controls were then added and samples incubated for another 15 minutes in the dark at room temperature. After incubation, samples were diluted with 200μl Annexin V buffer and transferred into FACS flow tubes (BD Biosciences, Wokingham, United Kingdom), ready to be analysed by FCM. Platelet-derived EVs (PDEVs) were identified as Annexin V+EVs which also stained positive for CD41-PE in APC vs PE quadrant plot, and endothelial-derived EVs (EDEVs) were identified as Annexin V+EVs which also stained positive for CD105- eFluor450 in APC vs PB quadrant plot.

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

A commercially available, plate-based thrombin generation assay was used to measure thrombin generation in either a standard, pooled vesicle and platelet-free plasma (termed vesicle-free plasma or VFP) or in the same VFP but with added circulating EVs from subjects in the intervention study. This enabled the assessment of TF-dependent thrombin generation specifically attributed to circulating EVs in samples from the intervention study. Results were presented as five variables: (i) lag-phase for initiation of thrombin generation after addition of the trigger (time to 1/6 of the peak height) (min); (ii) peak thrombin concentration (nM); (iii) time to reach the peak (min); (iv) velocity index, defined as = [peak height/(time to peak - lag time)] and (v) area under the curve, defined as endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) (expressed as nM thrombin × min)

96-well high-throughput aggregometry technique, allowing testing of a wide range of concentrations of different agonists, was used to examine the influence of n-3 PUFA supplementation on platelet function. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from each study visit was used in the platelet aggregation assay using pre-prepared 96-well microplates, containing the agonists (ADP, EPI, TRAP-6 and U46619). Dose-response curves in response to each agonist were obtained and results were represented as a LogEC50 (log concentration of agonist, M, giving a response halfway between maximum and minimum aggregation).

96-well high-throughput aggregometry technique, allowing testing of a wide range of concentrations of different agonists, was used to examine the influence of n-3 PUFA supplementation on platelet function. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) from each study visit was used in the platelet aggregation assay using pre-prepared 96-well microplates, containing the agonists (CRP-XL). Dose-response curves in response to each agonist were obtained and results were represented as a LogEC50 (log concentration of agonist, mg/ml, giving a response halfway between maximum and minimum aggregation).

Ex vivo thrombus formation was measured by the addition of in vitro-generated PDEVs from stimulated platelets into whole blood under flow. Results were presented as three variables: (i) endpoint for ex vivo thrombus formation (FU); (ii) endpoint for ex vivo thrombus formation (FU); (iii) area under curve.

Ex vivo thrombus formation was measured by the addition of in vitro-generated PDEVs from stimulated platelets into whole blood under flow. Results were presented as three variables: (i) endpoint for ex vivo thrombus formation (FU); (ii) endpoint for ex vivo thrombus formation (FU); (iii) area under curve.

A 500μl aliquot of frozen PFP was defrosted at room temperature using a roller mixer and subjected to SEC for the isolation and purification of EVs. The fractions 7~9 were pooled together, and 800μl of pooled fractions was prepared for total lipid extraction and methyl esterification. The EV total lipid methyl esters were then analysed by gas chromatography on a Hewlett-Packard 6890 series GC (Hewlett-Packard, California, United States), with the following protocol: split ratio was set as 30:1 for plasma and EV analysis. The injection volume was 1μl for plasma and 5μl for EVs, respectively. The temperature of both injector and detector were kept at 300°C and the temperature program was initial temperature 115°C for 2 minutes, increased at 10 °C/min to 200°C and hold at this temperature for 16 minutes, and finally increased at 60°C/min to 240°C for 2 minutes (total run time: 29.2 minutes). Samples were analysed by using ChemStation software and Microsoft Excel.

A 400μl aliquot of frozen PFP was defrosted and centrifuged to remove denatured protein. The 400μl of 0.9% NaCl was added to the PFP sample to make up 800μl in total, and 30μg of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and 15μg of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) internal standards were then added for the quantitative analysis. After lipid extraction, separation of PC and PE, and methyl esterification of plasma phospholipid extracts, samples were analysed by GC.

A 250μl aliquot of frozen PFP was defrosted at room temperature using a roller mixer and centrifuged at 500xg for 5 minutes at room temperature (Eppendorf Centrifuge 5415 R, DJBlabcare, United Kingdom). Then the sample was analysed by a RANDOX clinical analyser (RANDOX Daytona+ Analyser, Randox Laboratories Ltd, United Kingdom) for the concentration of TC, TAG, HDL-C, LDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio.

A 250μl aliquot of frozen PFP was defrosted at room temperature using a roller mixer and centrifuged at 500xg for 5 minutes at room temperature (Eppendorf Centrifuge 5415 R, DJBlabcare, United Kingdom). Then the sample was analysed by a RANDOX clinical analyser (RANDOX Daytona+ Analyser, Randox Laboratories Ltd, United Kingdom) for TC/HDL-C ratio.

Subjects were asked to have a rest for 10 mins before blood pressure detection, and then blood pressure cuff was placed firmly on their upper left arms approximately 2 cm above the elbow with the indicator mark on the cuff over the brachial artery to start measurement. Subjects should put their arms at the level of the heart and should not speak and cross their legs during the measurement. Measurement was performed three times and waited for 2 mins between each reading ((Omron M2 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor, OMRON Healthcare Europe BV, United Kingdom). The average of the three readings was taken to obtain the final result.

Participants received placebo capsules for in the first 12-week period.

Placebo capsules: high-oleic safflower oil capsules

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of platelet function in affecting LogEC50 values in response to TRAP-6 between fish oil and placebo capsules. Comparisons of this parameter after each intervention were drawn using 2-way ANOVA with the Turkey multiple comparisons test.

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of platelet function in affecting LogEC50 values in response to U46619 between fish oil and placebo capsules. Comparisons of this parameter after each intervention were drawn using 2-way ANOVA with the Turkey multiple comparisons test.

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of oleic acid in circulating EV total lipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on oleic acid in circulating EV total lipids.

Treatment: p=0.011; period: p=0.381; treatment x period interaction: p=0.762

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of AA in circulating EV total lipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on AA in circulating EV total lipids.

Treatment: p<0.001; period: p=0.512; treatment x period interaction: p=0.812

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of total n-3 PUFA in circulating EV total lipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on total n-3 PUFA in circulating EV total lipids.

Treatment: p<0.001; period: p=0.160; treatment x period interaction: p=0.132

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of total MUFA in circulating EV total lipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on total MUFA in circulating EV total lipids.

Treatment: p=0.013; period: p=0.500; treatment x period interaction: p=0.522

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of DPA in plasma total phospholipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on DPA in plasma total phospholipids.

Treatment: p<0.001; period: p=0.302; treatment x period interaction: p=0.385

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of linoleic acid in plasma total phospholipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on linoleic acid in plasma total phospholipids.

Treatment: p<0.001; period: p=0.793; treatment x period interaction: p=0.522

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) in plasma total phospholipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on DGLA in plasma total phospholipids.

Treatment: p<0.001; period: p=0.956; treatment x period interaction: p=0.238

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of AA in plasma total phospholipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on AA in plasma total phospholipids.

Treatment: p<0.001; period: p=0.457; treatment x period interaction: p=0.613

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of total n-3 PUFA in plasma total phospholipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on total n-3 PUFA in plasma total phospholipids.

Treatment: p<0.001; period: p=0.134; treatment x period interaction: p=0.260

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of total n-6 PUFA in plasma total phospholipids between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on total n-6 PUFA in plasma total phospholipids.

Treatment: p<0.001; period: p=0.917; treatment x period interaction: p=0.603

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of plasma TC between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on plasma TC.

Treatment: p=0.077; period: p=0.921; treatment x period interaction: p=0.793

Null hypothesis is that there was no difference in change of plasma HDL-C between fish oil and placebo capsules. A general linear model with fixed factors of treatment and period was conducted to determine the differences in the effect of two treatments and two periods on plasma HDL-C.

Treatment: p=0.379; period: p=0.938; treatment x period interaction: p=0.341