摘要：[Objective] Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a major n-3 strain polyunsaturated fatty acid and suggested to be involved in the human immunosystem and behavior. To clarify the effects of daily EPA intake on the human body, the following trials were designed. [Materials and Methods] The Cornell Medical Index (CMI) test was applied to twenty healthy young men, who were then administered for 2 weeks (EPA 1.125g/day) commercial EPA tablets containing EPA (24%), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (13%), linoleic acid (1%), α-linolenic acid (1%), arachidonic acid (AA) (1%) and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DHLA) (0.2%), . Blood samples were collected before and after the trial and assessed as to fatty acid concentration in red blood cell membrane, interleukin-6 (IL-6) level, and acute phase protein concentration in blood. [Result and Discussion] Levels of all fatty acid components in red blood cells were increased by 2 weeks' EPA tablet intake. IL-6, haptoglobin and C-reactive protein levels were also increased. Significant correlations were observed between DHLA and some CMI items. These results indicate that: 1. Two weeks' intake of moderate dose of EPA effectively increased fatty acid concentrations in red blood cell membrane. 2. EPA intake elevated levels of IL-6, which might promote hepatic production of acute phase proteins. 3. Changes in DHLA were significantly related to the physical or mental complaints of CMI, which may be explained by AA metabolism or n-3/n-6 balances in brain phospholipids.
