N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment for IFN-induced Depression

Major Depressive Episode Clinical Trial

Official title: N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Prevention and Treatment for IFN-induced Depression

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The first part is a double-blind placebo-controlled trial to identify the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in prevention of IFN-induced depression. The second part is a double-blind trial to identify the antidepressant effects of omega-3 PUFAs in patients with IFN-induced depression.

Clinical Trial Description

We have done a preliminary analysis in 63 HCV patients receiving IFN-α therapy enrolled in our current NSC project (NSC95-2320-B-039-037-MY3) and found that patients who later developed IFN-α-induced depression (case group, 21/63) had lower PUFA levels before starting IFN-α therapy than control group (p=0.024). In addition, there was a trend for a negative correlation (r=-0.224; p=0.078) between baseline DHA levels and the highest scores of BDI during IFN therapy in the whole group. These findings indicate that n-3 PUFAs might play a protective factor.

This 3-year proposal is divided into 2 clinical studies. In study 1, we aim to test the prophylactic effect of n-3 PUFAs (EPA: 3.5 g/d and DHA: 1.75 g/d versus placebo: high oleic oil) for IFN-α-induced sickness behaviour and depressive symptoms, in a two-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 152 patients with HCV starting IFN-α therapy. In study 2, we will test the antidepressant effect of n-3 PUFAs (EPA: 3.5 g/d and DHA: 1.75 g/d versus placebo: high oleic oil) on IFN-α-induced depression during IFN-α therapy, in an eight-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 80 HCV patients who have already developed depression. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Prevention

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depressive Disorder, Major
• Major Depressive Episode

• NCT number: NCT01620502
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: National Science Council, Taiwan
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: July 2009
• Completion date: September 2012