Robert Hudek1, Clemens von Schacky2, Adrian Passow3, Ayman F Abdelkawi4, Birgit Werner4, Frank Gohlke5. 1. RHÖN Klinikum AG, Klinik für Schulterchirurgie, Salzburger Leite 1, 97616 Bad Neustadt, Germany. Electronic address: roberthudek@web.de. 2. Omegametrix GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, 82152 Martinsried, Germany. Electronic address: c.vonschacky@omegametrix.eu. 3. Omegametrix GmbH, Am Klopferspitz 19, 82152 Martinsried, Germany. Electronic address: a.passow@omegametrix.eu. 4. RHÖN Klinikum AG, Klinik für Schulterchirurgie, Salzburger Leite 1, 97616 Bad Neustadt, Germany. 5. RHÖN Klinikum AG, Klinik für Schulterchirurgie, Salzburger Leite 1, 97616 Bad Neustadt, Germany. Electronic address: frank.gohlke@uni-wuerzburg.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The etiology of degenerative rotator cuff tears is multifactorial but chronic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis. Some polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can modulate inflammation and marine n-3 (Omega-3) PUFA have anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that the Omega-3 Index is lower in patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears when compared to controls without rotator cuff tendinopathy. METHODS: From 684 consecutive patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears 655 were excluded because of possible bias. In the remaining 29 patients (22 m, 7 f; 53,9 y) with degenerative full thickness rotator-cuff tears, erythrocyte fatty acids were analyzed using the HS-Omega-3 Index® methodology. 15 healthy volunteers (10 m, 5 f; 52.5y) served as a control. RESULTS: The Omega-3 Index (% EPA + DHA) was 5.01% (95% CI: 3.81-4.66) in patients and 6.01% (95% CI: 4.48-5.72) in controls (p = 0.028) CONCLUSIONS: Patients with full thickness degenerative rotator cuff tears had a significantly lower Omega-3 Index than controls without rotator cuff tendinopathy. Whether a lower Omega-3 Index represents an independent risk factor for degenerative rotator cuff tears should be further investigated, e.g. in a longitudinal study.
BACKGROUND: The etiology of degenerative rotator cuff tears is multifactorial but chronic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis. Some polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can modulate inflammation and marine n-3 (Omega-3) PUFA have anti-inflammatory effects. We hypothesized that the Omega-3 Index is lower in patients with degenerative rotator cuff tears when compared to controls without rotator cuff tendinopathy. METHODS: From 684 consecutive patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears 655 were excluded because of possible bias. In the remaining 29 patients (22 m, 7 f; 53,9 y) with degenerative full thickness rotator-cuff tears, erythrocyte fatty acids were analyzed using the HS-Omega-3 Index® methodology. 15 healthy volunteers (10 m, 5 f; 52.5y) served as a control. RESULTS: The Omega-3 Index (% EPA + DHA) was 5.01% (95% CI: 3.81-4.66) in patients and 6.01% (95% CI: 4.48-5.72) in controls (p = 0.028) CONCLUSIONS:Patients with full thickness degenerative rotator cuff tears had a significantly lower Omega-3 Index than controls without rotator cuff tendinopathy. Whether a lower Omega-3 Index represents an independent risk factor for degenerative rotator cuff tears should be further investigated, e.g. in a longitudinal study.