Studying the Effects of Administration of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAS) of Omega-3 Series in Nicotine Dependence

Federal University of São Paulo

Status and phase: Completed; Phase 3

Conditions: Tobacco Dependence; Nicotine Dependence

Treatments: Drug: Omega 3; Drug: Placebo

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT01735279

Tobacco&Omega

Details and patient eligibility

About

Nicotine dependence may prolong the exposure to toxic substances that cause various diseases. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is consisted by a large amount of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAS) from omega-3 serie. Omega-3 takes part in several actions, including the modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. In its deficiency is detected a hypofunctioning of the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathway, related to the reward system, involved on the context of nicotine dependence. Treatment using dietary supplementation with omega-3 shows improvements in several diseases, including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. The investigators hypothesis is that supplementation with these fatty acids can restore the levels of omega-3 and could decrease nicotine dependence. The investigators objective is to investigate a possible association between increased serum levels of omega-3 and the reduction in nicotine dependence.

Full description

Introduction: A cigarette has more than 6,000 toxic substances that can cause various diseases. Nicotine dependence may prolong the exposure to these toxic substances. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is consisted by a large amount of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAS) from omega-3 serie. Omega-3 takes part in several actions, including the modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. In its deficiency is detected a hypofunctioning of the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathway, related to the reward system, involved on the context of nicotine dependence. Treatment using dietary supplementation with omega-3 shows improvements in several diseases, including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. The investigators hypothesis is that supplementation with these fatty acids can restore the levels of omega-3 and could decrease nicotine dependence. Objective: Investigate a possible association between increased serum levels of omega-3 and the reduction in nicotine dependence. Material and Methods: In the clinical study, placebo controlled, double-blind, parallel, randomized, will be administered to 60 volunteers: placebo or fish oil for 90 days. Psychometric assessments will be carried out, measurements of serum levels of PUFAS, levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and cotinine in plasma will be done for monitoring the clinical course. Data Analysis: Repeated measures (ANOVA) for the dependent variables (dependency, anxiety, depression, motivation, compulsion, dosage of PUFAS, exhaled CO and cotinine) and independent (groups and time) to check for significant differences. If so, a second ANOVA with covariates will be conducted. Significance is p <0.05 in all analyzes.

Enrollment: 58 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• healthy smokers; age between 20 and 60 years; score in Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) up to 5 points (FTND > 5); high motivation to stop smoking (accessed by Richmond Test)

Exclusion criteria

• psychiatric disorders; taking psychoactive medications; history of alcohol and/or other drugs abuse or dependence;

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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58 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

The placebo group will receive 3g per day of mineral oil during 90 days treatment

Treatment:

Drug: Placebo

Omega3

Experimental group

Description:

The omega 3 group will receive 3g per day of fish oil during 90 days treatment

Treatment:

Drug: Omega 3