RESEARCH ARTICLE Fish-Free Diet in Patients with Phenylketonuria Is Not Associated with Early Atherosclerotic Changes and Enhanced Platelet Activation

Background and Purpose Since patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) have to follow a lifelong restriction of natural pro-tein to lower phenylalanine-intake, they never eat fish. This diet may lead to a chronic deficit of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with the risk of early atherosclerotic changes. The aim of the study was to analyse the fatty acid profile of PKU patients and to correlate the results with surrogate markers of early atherosclerotic changes [enhanced carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and ß-stiffness index] and platelet activation. Methods In 43 PKU patients and in 58 healthy controls we prospectively examined the fatty acid pro-file, CIMT, ß-stiffness index and platelet activation (flow cytometric determination of markers of platelet activation). CIMT was measured bilaterally by ultrasound. CIMT mean was defined as the mean value of the sum of CIMT left and CIMT right. Results Despite of lower HDL-cholesterol and higher triglyceride concentrations in the PKU group