2.5. Statistical methods
We applied the KolmogroveSmirnov test to evaluate the normal
distribution of variables. The analyses were carried out based on
intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. For non-normally distributed
variables (creatinine and BUN), we applied Log transformation. To
detect differences in anthropometric measures as well as in dietary
intakes between the two groups, we applied independent samples
Student's t test. For comparison of categorical variables, Pearson
Chi-square test was used. Data on metabolic profiles and biomarkers
of inflammation and oxidative stress are presented as
mean ± SEs. To determine the effects of omega-3 fatty acid
administration on markers of insulin resistance, lipid concentrations,
biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, we used
one-way repeated measures analysis of variance. In this analysis,
the treatment (omega-3 fatty acid vs. placebo group) was regarded
as between-subject factor and time with two time-points (the
beginning of the study and after 12-week intervention) was
considered as within-subject factor. To examine if age, baseline BMI
and baseline values of the biochemical indicators influenced our
findings, we applied analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlling
for these variables. P-values