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Fatty acid (FA) metabolism plays an important role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, data on the relationship between circulating FAs and NAFLD risk are limited. This study aims to assess the associations between specific circulating FAs and severe NAFLD risk among the general population. Overall 116 223 participants without NAFLD and other liver diseases from the UK Biobank were enrolled between 2006 and 2010 and were followed up until the end of 2021. Plasma concentrations of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were analyzed using an NMR-based biomarker profiling platform. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of NAFLD risk were estimated using Cox proportional-hazard models adjusted for other potential confounders. During a mean follow-up of 12.3 years, we documented 1394 cases of severe NAFLD. After multivariate adjustment, plasma SFAs and MUFAs were associated with a higher risk of severe NAFLD, whereas plasma n-3 PUFAs, n-6 PUFAs, and linoleic acid (LA) were associated with a lower risk. As compared with the lowest quartile, HRs (95% CIs) of severe NAFLD risk in the highest quartiles were 1.85 (1.45-2.36) for SFAs, 1.74 (1.23-2.44) for MUFAs, 0.79 (0.65-0.97) for n-3 PUFAs, 0.68 (0.48-0.96) for n-6 PUFAs, and 0.73 (0.54-0.99) for LA. The significant relationships were mainly mediated by serum TG for SFAs, HDL-C for MUFAs and n-6 PUFAs, and C-reactive protein for n-3 PUFAs. Plasma SFAs were associated with a more pronounced increase in the risk of severe NAFLD among participants with fewer SFA-associated alleles ( P interaction = 0.032). Dietary recommendations for reducing plasma SFAs and MUFAs while increasing n-3 and n-6 PUFAs may be protective for severe NAFLD, which could be mediated by lipid metabolism and inflammation.

Background: Exposure to different concentration levels of fatty acids (FAs) may have an impact on depression. However, previous studies using individual FAs may not reflect the performance of mixtures of various FAs, and the associations of FA patterns with depression remain unclear., Methods: We conducted the cross-sectional analysis in 792 adults aged 18 and older with available serum FAs and depression screening data in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012. The serum concentrations of thirty FAs were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and their percentage compositions were subsequently calculated. Depression was defined as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 10. We employed principal component analysis to derive serum FA patterns. We examined the association between these patterns and depression in the overall population and various subgroups through survey-weighted logistic regression., Results: Four distinct patterns of serum FAs were identified: 'high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); low docosatetraenoic acid (DTA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) n-6', 'high long-chain saturated FA and long chain FA', 'low median-chain saturated FA and myristoleic acid' and 'low capric acid and lauric acid; high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA)' pattern. Individuals in the high tertile of 'high EPA and DHA; low DTA and DPA n-6' pattern score had 0.46 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.93) lower odds of developing depression compared to individuals in the lowest tertile after adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, physical activity and total energy intake, etc. The odds ratio (OR) of depression was increased in the population with the highest tertile of 'low capric acid and lauric acid; high GLA and SDA' pattern (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.83). In subgroup analyses, we observed that the association between 'high EPA and DHA; low DTA and DPA n-6' and depression persisted among specific demographic and lifestyle subgroups, including females, non-Mexican Americans, non-obese, those aged over 60 years, smokers and drinkers. Similarly, 'low capric acid and lauric acid; high GLA and SDA' showed stable associations in female, non-Mexican Americans and smokers., Conclusions: Serum FA patterns are associated with depression, and their relationships vary across sex, race, BMI, age, smoking and drinking subgroups, highlighting the importance of considering specific FA patterns within these demographic and lifestyle categories. Utilization of combined FA administration may serve as a mitigation measure against depression in these specific populations., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic disease with a multifaceted pathomechanism and immunological basis, with the presence of inflammatory skin lesions and joint ailments. Diseases accompanying psoriasis include metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. It has been suggested that inflammation is involved in the development of each of these conditions. The main objective of this study was to analyse the fatty acid profile, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, in the erythrocyte membranes of patients suffering from psoriasis. A total of 58 adult patients of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, suffering from psoriasis, were qualified for this study. The patients had undergone an interview and physical examination, during which the severity of psoriasis was assessed. All patients had their weight and height measured to assess their body mass index (BMI). After 3 months of treatment, biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, total cholesterol) and inflammatory markers (CRP) in the blood were assessed. In addition, the isolation of fatty acids (PUFAs, SFAs, MUFAs) from erythrocyte membranes and the qualitative and quantitative analysis of their profile using a gas chromatograph were carried out. In patients with severe psoriasis requiring systemic treatment, an altered profile of fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes was found, including a significantly lower concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3), which have an anti-inflammatory effect; a significantly higher concentration of saturated fatty acids; and a decreased concentration of oleic acid (omega-9), compared to the results obtained in patients with less severe psoriasis receiving topical treatment. In patients with psoriasis and BMI ≥ 25, significantly higher concentrations of AST and ALT in the blood and significantly higher concentrations of pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid in erythrocyte membranes were found. Elevated concentrations of saturated (R = 0.31) and monounsaturated fatty acids (R = 0.29) may correlate with a greater severity of psoriasis., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Background & Aims: High mortality rate of pancreatic cancer (PC) as one of the most common cancers worldwide made it a center of attention for recent researches on its pathology, etiology, screening and early diagnosis. In previous researches, association of dietary intake and plasma levels of fatty acids with risk of pancreatic cancer was investigated. In this study we aimed to evaluate the correlation between dietary and plasma fatty acids in case and control groups., Methods: From 50,045 adults between 40-75 years old participated in Golestan cohort study, fifty incident cases of PC were diagnosed and 150 controls matched by age, sex and residence place were randomly selected. Dietary intakes and plasma levels of fatty acids was evaluated by validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and Gas Chromatography - Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID), respectively. Then, Spearman's correlation was used to measure the correlation between dietary and plasma levels of fatty acids in case and control groups., Results: Among all the fatty acids, there was a significant association between plasma and dietary intake of a few fatty acids including trans fatty acids (TFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), 22:6n-3 and 14:0 only in control group. Only total PUFA intake modified plasma level of some fatty acids in case group. There was no difference between association of desaturase enzymes and fatty acids in case and controls., Conclusions: Since, plasma levels of fatty acids might be influenced by recent diet, we did not find any specific differences between the associations of plasma levels of fatty acids with dietary intake of fats in case and control groups., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: During pregnancy a high amount of fatty acids (FA) is necessary to meet foetus demands, which vary during gestation. The present study describes the changes in maternal fatty acid concentrations during pregnancy in a sample of pregnant women., Methods: This is a longitudinal study of 479 pregnant women who were monitored from the first trimester to third trimester of pregnancy. Data on maternal characteristics were recorded and a serum sample was collected in each trimester. The fatty acid profile (saturated (SFA: total, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid), monounsaturated (MUFA: total, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA: total omega-6 (n-6), linoleic acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid (AA), total omega-3 (n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) was analysed with a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry combination., Results: From the first trimester to third trimester of pregnancy, a significant increase in total SFA, total MUFA and total n-6 PUFA was found. (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the serum concentration of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and total n-3 PUFA decreased during gestation (p < 0.001). A statistically non-significant result was observed for the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) serum concentration between the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Significant correlations were observed between each total fatty acid concentrations of the first and third trimesters., Conclusion: The circulating serum concentration of SFA, MUFA and n-6 PUFA increases during pregnancy, whereas essential fatty acids such as AA and EPA decrease, and DHA remains unchanged. Further research is necessary to understand the role played by FA throughout gestation., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) play an essential role in cognitive and behavioural changes among school going children. This study delineates the dietary omega-3 PUFA [alpha-Linolenic acid (ALA), DHA, and EPA] intake and plasma fatty acids levels among school-going children. This is a cross-sectional study purely observational in nature, wherein 625 apparently healthy boys and girls aged between 7 and 13 years were selected from five different schools of Hyderabad. Dietary information on omega-3 PUFA (ALA, DHA, and EPA) intake was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. Plasma fatty acid concentrations were measured in 34% of sub-sample using standard gas chromatography. The study revealed that the average dietary intakes of omega-3 PUFA, ALA, DHA, and EPA were 55.46, 15.82, 35.59, 4.06 mg/day, respectively. There was a significant difference in mean DHA intake among gender and age group [girls (38.64±1.45 mg/day), boys (31.80±1.38 mg/day) p < 0.001] and [7-10 years (31.75±1.38 mg/day), 11-13 years (38.07±1.40 mg/day) p < 0.01]. The mean plasma DHA and DPA levels of overall subjects were 0.98 nmol% and 0.18nmol% respectively which was comparable among different gender, age and BMI-for age groups. There was a positive correlation between dietary DHA intake and plasma DHA level [ρ=0.376 (p < 0.001)]. The current study demonstrated that the omega-3 PUFA intake in school going children was less and reinforces the importance of increasing the omega-3 PUFA intake through diet and supplements., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between blood profiles and cognitive functions or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the Chinese population aged 35-64 years old., Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, which recruited 675 Chinese adults aged 35-64 years old from Beijing, China. Their cognitive performance was assessed with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the serum lipids levels were measured by hexokinase method and colorimetric assay, and the plasma fatty acids profiles were analyzed by fast gas chromatography., Results: Among the 675 participants, 84 (12.4%) had MCI. Age, years of education, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were associated with MMSE scores (all P  < 0.05). Age, years of education, smoking, drinking, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), SFAs, MUFAs, n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ( n -3 PUFAs) and n -6/ n -3 PUFAs were associated with MoCA scores (all P  < 0.05). Increased age ( P  = 0.002) and smoking ( P  = 0.028) were positively associated with the prevalence of MCI, while educational level ( P  = 0.005) and alcohol drinking ( P  = 0.003) both were negatively correlated to the prevalence of MCI. Elevated serum NEFAs ( P  = 0.032), high plasma SFAs ( P  = 0.023), and excessive polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) levels ( P  = 0.033) were significantly associated with increased frequency of MCI., Conclusion: In the Chinese population aged 35-64 years, advanced age and cigarette smoking were risk factors of MCI, whereas higher educational level and alcohol drinking were protective factors for MCI. Excessive serum or plasma levels of NEFAs, SFAs and PUFAs were associated with an increased risk of MCI.

Background/objective: Membrane flexibility can be a determining factor in pathophysiological mechanisms of type 2 diabetes (T2D). As a cofactor of delta-5 desaturase (D5D) and delta-6 desaturase (D6D), and gene expression regulator, zinc may play a role modulating membrane flexibility by increasing membrane polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) abundance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a 24-month zinc supplementation (30 mg elemental zinc) on membrane fatty acid composition in patients with T2D., Subjects/methods: Sixty patients with T2D were evaluated. Thirty were randomly assigned to the zinc supplemented group and thirty to the placebo group. Fatty acid composition in red blood cell (RBC) membranes was determined by gas chromatography. Expression of gene encoding for D5D (FADS1), and D6D (FADS2) were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by real-time polymerase chain reaction., Results: After 24 months of supplementation, a greater abundance of docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5 n-3), arachidonic acid (C20:4 n-6), adrenic acid (C22:4 n-6), and total n-6 PUFA was found (p = 0.001, p = 0.007, p = 0.033, p = 0.048, respectively). The unsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids ratio, and unsaturation index was increased in the zinc supplemented group at month 24 (p = 0.003 and p  = 0.000, respectively). FADS1 gene was upregulated in the zinc group in relation to placebo at month 12 (p = 0.020)., Conclusions: Supplementation with 30 mg/d elemental zinc during 24 months in patients with T2D had an effect on the composition of RBC membranes increasing PUFA abundance and in turn, improving membrane flexibility. This effect may be mediated by induction of D5D gene expression., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Fatty acids might play a role in asthma and allergy development as they can modulate immune responses. We examined among 4260 mother-child pairs participating in a population-based cohort the associations of maternal plasma fatty acid patterns during pregnancy with a child's respiratory and allergy outcomes at school-age. In mid-pregnancy, 22 individual fatty acids were measured from maternal blood. Three patterns were previously identified by principal component analysis: A 'high n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)', a 'monounsaturated and saturated fatty acid', and a 'high n-3 PUFA' pattern. At the age of 10 years, a child's lung function was assessed by spirometry, current asthma and physician-diagnosed inhalant allergy by questionnaire, and inhalant allergic sensitization by skin prick tests. A higher 'high n-6 PUFA' pattern was associated with a higher forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow after exhaling 75% of forced vital capacity (Z-score difference (95% CI) 0.04 (0, 0.07) and 0.04 (0.01, 0.07), respectively, per SD increase in the fatty acid pattern). We observed no associations of maternal fatty acid patterns with a child's asthma or allergy outcomes. Our results showed limited associations of maternal patterns of high n-6 PUFA concentrations in pregnancy with a better lung function in school-aged children.

This review presents existing evidence of the influence of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Data are discussed regarding the roles of the most relevant fatty acids, such as myristic (C14:0), palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), palmitoleic (C16:1), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), α -linolenic (C18:3, ω -3), γ -linolenic (C18:3, ω -6), arachidonic (C20:4), eicosapentaenoic (C20:5), docosahexaenoic (C22:6), and docosapentaenoic (C22:5) acid. The accumulated knowledge has expanded the understanding of the involvement of fatty acids in metabolic processes, thereby enabling the transition from basic exploratory studies to practical issues of application of these biomolecules to CVD treatment. In the future, these findings are expected to facilitate the interpretation and prognosis of changes in metabolic lipid aberrations in CVD.

Background: Very-long-chain SFAs (VLSFAs) have recently gained considerable attention as having beneficial effects on health and aging., Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the associations of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs [arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), tricosanoic acid (23:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0)] with 20-y cognitive decline in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) participants. Furthermore, this study compared the associations of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs with 5 common groups of fatty acids [i.e., total SFAs, total MUFAs, total ω-3 (n-3) PUFAs, total marine-derived ω-3 PUFAs, total ω-6 PUFAs]., Methods: This study used a cohort study design of 3229 ARIC participants enrolled at the Minnesota field center. Fatty acids were measured at visit 1 (1987-1989); and cognition was assessed at visits 2 (1990-1992), 4 (1996-1998), and 5 (2011-2013) using 3 tests: the Delayed Word Recall Test (DWRT), the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), and the Word Fluency Test (WFT)., Results: Higher proportions of plasma phospholipid total VLSFAs and each individual VLSFA were associated with less decline in WFT, a test of verbal fluency. For example, 1 SD higher in total VLSFAs at baseline was associated with 0.057 SD (95% CI: 0.018, 0.096, P = 0.004) less cognitive decline over 20 y as measured by WFT score. None of the 5 common fatty acid groups were associated with change in WFT, but a higher proportion of plasma phospholipid total MUFAs was associated with greater decline in DWRT; higher total ω-6 PUFAs with less decline in DWRT; and higher total ω-3 and total marine-derived ω-3 PUFAs with less decline in DSST., Conclusions: This study suggests that higher proportions of plasma phospholipid VLSFAs in midlife may be associated with less 20-y cognitive decline., (Copyright © The Author(s) on behalf of the American Society for Nutrition 2020.)

Objective: To investigate the association of postprandial and fasting plasma saturated fatty acid (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) concentrations with hand and knee osteoarthritis (OA)., Design: In the population-based NEO study clinical hand and knee OA were defined by the ACR classification criteria. Structural knee OA was defined on MRI. Hand and knee pain was determined by Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN) and KOOS, respectively. Plasma was sampled fasted and 150 min after a standardized meal, and subsequently analysed using a nuclear magnetic resonance platform. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association of total fatty acid, SFA, MUFA, total PUFA, omega-3 PUFA and omega-6 PUFA concentrations with clinical hand and knee OA, structural knee OA and hand and knee pain. Fatty acid concentrations were standardized (mean 0, SD 1). Analyses were stratified by sex and corrected for age, education, ethnicity and total body fat percentage., Results: Of the 5,328 participants (mean age 56 years, 58% women) 7% was classified with hand OA, 10% with knee OA and 4% with concurrent hand and knee OA. In men, postprandial SFAs (OR (95% CI)) 1.23 (1.00; 1.50), total PUFAs 1.26 (1.00; 1.58) and omega-3 PUFAs 1.24 (1.01; 1.52) were associated with hand OA. SFAs and PUFAs were associated with structural, but not clinical knee OA. Association of fasting fatty acid concentrations were weaker than postprandial concentrations., Conclusion: Plasma postprandial SFA and PUFA levels were positively associated with clinical hand and structural knee OA in men, but not in women., (Copyright © 2019 Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In this study, a combined targeted/untargeted UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method for the targeted quantitative analysis of the primary platelet lipid mediators thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 12S-hydroxy-5Z,8E,10E-heptadecatrienoic acid (HHT) and its oxidation product 12-keto-5Z,8E,10E-heptadecatrienoic acid (KHT) was developed, which allowed simultaneous untargeted profiling for the detection of other lipid biomarkers such as other oxylipins and fatty acids (FAs) in platelet releasates. A general procedure for the synthesis of keto-analogs from hydroxylated polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) using Dess-Martin periodinane oxidation reagent was proposed for the preparation of KHT standard. MS detection was performed in data independent acquisition (DIA) mode with sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion mass spectra (SWATH) in the range of 50-500 Da with variable window sizes. The LC-MS/MS assay was validated for the targeted analytes and applied for analysis of supernatants derived from resting platelets and from platelets treated with thrombin. The targeted analytes KHT, HHT and TXB2 were found at highly elevated levels in the activated platelet releasates. On average, 13 ± 7, 15 ± 9, and 0.6 ± 0.2 attomols per platelet were released upon thrombin-activation. Furthermore, the simultaneous untargeted profiling (n = 8 in each group) revealed that these oxylipins are released with a pool of other (significantly upregulated) oxidized (12-HETE, 12-HEPE) and non-oxidized PUFAs. All these compounds can be considered additional biomarkers of platelet activation complementing the primary platelet activation marker thromboxane B2. The other lipids may support platelet activation or trigger other biological actions with some potential implications in thromboinflammation., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The interest in the amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the umbilical cord blood (UCB) is increasing, but the stability of erythrocyte PUFA in these samples during storage and washing of the erythrocytes has not been directly evaluated. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of the lapse of time on the fatty acid (FA) content from UCB sample collection and maintained at 4 °C (0-12 h) until erythrocyte separation and washing. Palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), 18:1n-7/n-9, linoleic acid (18:2n-6), arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), 22:4n-6, eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) together accounted for 87% of the FA profile in the umbilical vein erythrocytes. No difference was observed in the concentration of any of the FA studied, nor in the sum of saturated fatty acids (SFA), PUFA, or LC-PUFA in umbilical erythrocytes obtained at delivery and stored up to 12 h before the separation of erythrocytes. However, if a washing step was included in the processing of the erythrocytes, a decrease in the concentration of 16:0, 18:0, 18:3n-3, 20:4n-6, 22:4n-6, total SFA, PUFA, LC-PUFA, and n-6 LC-PUFA was evidenced, compared to unwashed erythrocytes. The FA concentration in umbilical cord erythrocytes did not change between samples stored from 0 to 12 h until erythrocyte separation. Erythrocyte washing before storage decreased the concentration of significant individual and total SFA, PUFA, and LC-PUFA. These results should be considered when planning the collection of UCB samples for the study of fatty acid concentration due to the nonscheduled timing of deliveries., (© 2020 AOCS.)

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder affected by psychological, environmental, and biological factors. Individuals with AN avoid high-fat, high-calorie diets and have shown abnormal metabolism of fatty acids (FAs), which are essential for brain and cognitive/neuropsychiatric health. To clarify the relationship between FAs and AN, fasting and postprandial plasma FAs in AN patients and age-matched control women were analyzed via mass-spectrometry. Clinical phenotypes were assessed using Becker Anxiety Inventory and Becker Depression Inventory. AN patients and controls exhibited different FA signatures at both fasting and postprandial timepoints. Lauric acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) were higher in AN than in controls (lauric acid: 15,081.6 ± 14,970.2 vs. 8257.4 ± 4740.2 pmol/mL; ALA at fasting: 2217.7 ± 1587.6 vs. 1087.9 ± 821.2 pmol/mL; ALA at postprandial: 1830.9 ± 1115.6 vs. 1159.4 ± 664.7 pmol/mL. EPA: 33,788.3 ± 17,487.5 vs. 22,860.6 ± 12,642.4 pmol/mL; DPA: 32,664.8 ± 16,215.0 vs. 20,969.0 ± 12,350.0 pmol/mL. FDR-adjusted p -values < 0.05). Food intake and AN status modified the correlations of FAs with body mass index (BMI), depression, and anxiety. Desaturases SCD-18 and D6D showed lower activities in AN compared to controls. Altered FA signature, specifically correlations between elevated n -3 FAs and worsened symptoms, illustrate metabolic underpinnings in AN. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms by which FA dysregulation, specifically elevated n -3 FAs, affects AN risk and outcome.

To investigate the effects of pioglitazone hydrochloride (PGZ) and vitamin E (VE), 160 Duroc × Landrace × Large White pigs were randomly divided into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with 2 levels of PGZ (0 or 15 mg/kg) and 2 levels of VE (0 or 325 mg/kg) for 28 days. Each group had 5 replicates with 8 pigs, half males and half females. Feeding PGZ increased intramuscular fat and VE supplementation decreased cooking loss (P < 0.05). Feeding VE increased total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 (P < 0.05). For 18:3n-3, the increase in C18:3n-3 due to VE was accentuated when combined with PGZ (P < 0.001). Additionally, VE tended to increase superoxide dismutase (P = 0.079) and glutathione peroxidase activity (P = 0.054). In summary, PGZ and VE had positive effects on pork quality by decreasing cooking loss and increasing intramuscular fat and antioxidant capacity, and may prove useful in improving the healthfulness of fatty acid profiles., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Context: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with a disturbance of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism., Objective: To determine whether T1DM alters maternal and neonatal fatty acid (FA) levels., Design: Observational study., Setting: Academic hospital., Patients: Sixty pregnant women (30 women with T1DM with good glycemic control and 30 healthy women) were included in the study. Maternal blood, umbilical vein, and artery blood samples were collected immediately upon delivery. Following lipid extraction, the FA profiles of the total FA pool of maternal serum and umbilical vein and artery serum were determined by gas chromatography., Results: Total FA concentration in maternal serum did not differ between the study groups; it was significantly higher in umbilical vein serum of the T1DM group compared with that in the control group [median (interquartile range)]: T1DM 2126.2 (1446.4 to 3181.3) and control 1073.8 (657.5 to 2226.0; P < 0.001), and in umbilical artery vein serum: T1DM 1805.7 (1393.1 to 2125.0) and control 990.0 (643.3 to 1668.0; P < 0.001). Composition of FAs in umbilical vein serum showed significantly higher concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FAs (SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, respectively) in the T1DM group than compared with those in the control group (P = 0.001). Furthermore, cord blood levels of leptin (P < 0.001), C-peptide (P < 0.001), and insulin resistance (P = 0.015) were higher in the T1DM group compared with controls., Conclusion: The neonates born to mothers with T1DM had higher concentrations of total FAs, SFAs and MUFAs, as well as PUFAs, compared with control newborns.

Background: Elevated postprandial triacylglycerol concentrations, impaired vascular function, and hypertension are important independent cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in women. However, the effects of meal fat composition on postprandial lipemia and vascular function in postmenopausal women are unknown., Objective: This study investigated the impact of sequential meals rich in saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), or n-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on postprandial flow-mediated dilatation (FMD; primary outcome measure), vascular function, and associated CVD risk biomarkers (secondary outcomes) in postmenopausal women., Methods: A double-blind, randomized, crossover, postprandial study was conducted in 32 postmenopausal women [mean ± SEM ages: 58 ± 1 y; mean ± SEM body mass index (in kg/m2): 25.9 ± 0.7]. After fasting overnight, participants consumed high-fat meals at breakfast (0 min; 50 g fat, containing 33-36 g SFAs, MUFAs, or n-6 PUFAs) and lunch (330 min; 30 g fat, containing 19-20 g SFAs, MUFAs, or n-6 PUFAs), on separate occasions. Blood samples were collected before breakfast and regularly after the meals for 480 min, with specific time points selected for measuring vascular function and blood pressure., Results: Postprandial FMD, laser Doppler imaging, and digital volume pulse responses were not different after consuming the test fats. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC) for diastolic blood pressure was lower after the MUFA-rich meals than after the SFA-rich meals (mean ± SEM: -2.3 ± 0.3 compared with -1.5 ± 0.3 mm Hg × 450 min × 103; P = 0.009), with a similar trend for systolic blood pressure (P = 0.012). This corresponded to a lower iAUC for the plasma nitrite response after the SFA-rich meals than after the MUFA-rich meals (-1.23 ± 0.7 compared with -0.17 ± 0.4 μmol/L × 420 min P = 0.010). The soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1) time-course profile, AUC, and iAUC were lower after the n-6 PUFA-rich meals than after the SFA- and MUFA-rich meals (P ≤ 0.001). Lipids, glucose, and markers of insulin sensitivity did not differ between the test fats., Conclusion: Our study showed a differential impact of meal fat composition on blood pressure, plasma nitrite, and sICAM-1, but no effect on postprandial FMD or lipemia in postmenopausal women. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02144454.

Dietary fatty acids can be both beneficial and detrimental to human health depending on the degree and type of saturation. Healthcare providers and research scientists monitor the fatty acid content of human plasma and serum as an indicator of health status and diet. In addition, both the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements are interested in circulating fatty acids (FAs) because they may be predictive of coronary heart disease. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a wide variety of reference materials (RMs) and Standard Reference Materials® (SRM®s) including blood, serum, plasma, and urine with values assigned for analytes of clinical interest. NIST SRM 2378 Fatty Acids in Frozen Human Serum was introduced in 2015 to help validate methods used for the analysis of FAs in serum, and consists of three different pools of serum acquired from (1) healthy donors who had taken fish oil dietary supplements (at least 1000 mg per day) for at least one month (level 1 material), (2) healthy donors who had taken flaxseed oil dietary supplements (at least 1000 mg per day) for at least one month (level 2 material), and (3) healthy donors eating "normal" diets who had not taken dietary supplements containing fish or plant oils (level 3 material). The use of dietary supplements by donors provided SRMs with natural endogenous ranges of FAs at concentrations observed in human populations. Results from analyses using two methods at NIST, including one involving a novel microwave-assisted acid hydrolysis procedure, and one at the CDC are presented here. These results and their respective uncertainties were combined to yield certified values with expanded uncertainties for 12 FAs and reference values with expanded uncertainties for an additional 18 FAs.

Abdominal pain is one of the key symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Studies have indicated an increase in the incidence of IBS in Asia. However, yet the pathophysiology of this disease remains unknown. Women are more likely to develop the condition than men, especially the constipation-predominant type. Essential fatty acid (EFA) malnutrition is one of several theories discussing the mechanism of IBS.The authors hypothesized that significant EFA deficiency may cause abdominal pain in patients with IBS. However, because patterns in the oral intake of EFAs differ between cultures, the authors narrowed this study to examine the nutritional status of Asian female patients with IBSThe authors investigated Asian female patients with IBS and compared them with a group of healthy controls. Thirty patients with IBS and 39 healthy individuals were included in this study. The participants' age, height, weight, and waist size were recorded. The 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was documented. Both erythrocyte and plasma fatty acid content were analyzed through gas-liquid chromatography.The authors found that patients with IBS exhibited significantly higher scores for depression, higher proportions of plasma saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, and lower proportions of docosahexaenoic acid and total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma are associated with IBS in Asian female patients. Further study is indicated to confirm the causality of this association.

Objective - study of blood serum fatty acid metabolic profile in patients with comorbidity of COPD and chronic pancreatitis. 238 patients were examined, of them 131 with combined COPD and chronic pancreatitis and 107 with isolated COPD run. In study of fatty acid spectrum biological materials were prepared and gas chromatography analysis of blood serum lipid fatty acid spectrum performed according to methodology by L.V.Sazonenko et al. The study showed that COPD exacerbation was accompanied with by changes in contents of particular fatty acids both in patients with isolated COPD and in patients with comorbidity in comparison with almost healthy patients. In comparison of values for isolated COPD patients and comorbidity of COPD and chronic pancreatitis patients unidirectional deviations in concentrations of basic FAs were observed in both groups. Although concentrations of basic FAs mostly did not have probable discrepancies, nevertheless, concentration changes of stearic and linoleic acids were significantly more expressed, which caused saturation level reduction and increased unsaturation of fatty acids. The presence of concomitant chronic pancreatitis in patients with COPD substantially strengthened the expression of FAs spectrum deviations due to increase of unsaturation level and the sum of PSFAs which is indicative of lipid peroxidation processes intensification, and this may be treated as one of additional factors of pathology progressing.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes encoding the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) and elongase (ELOVL) enzymes affect long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) production. We aimed to determine if these SNPs are associated with body mass index (BMI) or affect fatty acids (FAs) in pregnant women. Participants (n = 180) from the PREOBE cohort were grouped according to pre-pregnancy BMI: normal-weight (BMI = 18.5-24.9, n = 88) and overweight/obese (BMI≥25, n = 92). Plasma samples were analyzed at 24 weeks of gestation to measure FA levels in the phospholipid fraction. Selected SNPs were genotyped (7 in FADS1, 5 in FADS2, 3 in ELOVL2 and 2 in ELOVL5). Minor allele carriers of rs174545, rs174546, rs174548 and rs174553 (FADS1), and rs1535 and rs174583 (FADS2) were nominally associated with an increased risk of having a BMI≥25. Only for the normal-weight group, minor allele carriers of rs174537, rs174545, rs174546, and rs174553 (FADS1) were negatively associated with AA:DGLA index. Normal-weight women who were minor allele carriers of FADS SNPs had lower levels of AA, AA:DGLA and AA:LA indexes, and higher levels of DGLA, compared to major homozygotes. Among minor allele carriers of FADS2 and ELOVL2 SNPs, overweight/obese women showed higher DHA:EPA index than the normal-weight group; however, they did not present higher DHA concentrations than the normal-weight women. In conclusion, minor allele carriers of FADS SNPs have an increased risk of obesity. Maternal weight changes the effect of genotype on FA levels. Only in the normal-weight group, minor allele carriers of FADS SNPs displayed reduced enzymatic activity and FA levels. This suggests that women with a BMI≥25 are less affected by FADS genetic variants in this regard. In the presence of FADS2 and ELOVL2 SNPs, overweight/obese women showed higher n-3 LC-PUFA production indexes than women with normal weight, but this was not enough to obtain a higher n-3 LC-PUFA concentration.

Background: Dairy products are a major contributor to dietary SFA. Partial replacement of milk SFA with unsaturated fatty acids (FAs) is possible through oleic-acid rich supplementation of the dairy cow diet. To assess adherence to the intervention of SFA-reduced, MUFA-enriched dairy product consumption in the RESET (REplacement of SaturatEd fat in dairy on Total cholesterol) study using 4-d weighed dietary records, in addition to plasma phospholipid FA (PL-FA) status., Methods: In a randomised, controlled, crossover design, free-living UK participants identified as moderate risk for CVD (n = 54) were required to replace habitually consumed dairy foods (milk, cheese and butter), with study products with a FA profile typical of retail products (control) or SFA-reduced, MUFA-enriched profile (modified), for two 12-week periods, separated by an 8-week washout period. A flexible food-exchange model was used to implement each isoenergetic high-fat, high-dairy diet (38% of total energy intake (%TE) total fat): control (dietary target: 19%TE SFA; 11%TE MUFA) and modified (16%TE SFA; 14%TE MUFA)., Results: Following the modified diet, there was a smaller increase in SFA (17.2%TE vs. 19.1%TE; p < 0.001) and greater increase in MUFA intake (15.4%TE vs. 11.8%TE; p < 0.0001) when compared with the control. PL-FA analysis revealed lower total SFAs (p = 0.006), higher total cis-MUFAs and trans-MUFAs (both p < 0.0001) following the modified diet., Conclusion: The food-exchange model was successfully used to achieve RESET dietary targets by partial replacement of SFAs with MUFAs in dairy products, a finding reflected in the PL-FA profile and indicative of objective dietary compliance., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02089035 , date 05-01-2014.

Background: Breast cancer is a disease with diverse clinical symptoms, molecular profiles, and its nature to response its therapeutic treatments. Radiotherapy (RT), along with surgery and chemotherapy is a part of treatment in breast cancer. The aim of present study was to investigate pre and post treatment effects of radiotherapy in serum fatty acids and its lipids profile in patients with breast cancer., Methods: In this comparative as well as follow up study, Serum fatty acids were performed by gas chromatography to investigate fatty acids and Microlab for analysis of lipid profile., Results: Among serum free and total fatty acids the major saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in serum lipids of breast cancer patients (pre and post treated) were stearic acid (18:0) and palmitic acid (16:0). These fatty acids contributed about 35-50% of total fatty acids. The decreased concentrations of linoleic acid (C18:2) and arachidonic acid (C20:4) with a lower ratio of C18:2/C18:1 was found in pretreated breast cancer patients as compared to controls. The n-3/n-6 ratio of breast cancer patients was decreased before treatment but it was 35% increased after treatment. In addition, plasma activity of D6 desaturase was increased in the breast cancer patients, while the activity of D5 desaturase was decreased. Increased levels of SFAs, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) levels in breast cancer patients (pre and post treated) as compared to controls. Serum total cholesterol (TC) (224.4 mg/dL) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (142.9 mg/dL) were significantly increased in pretreated breast cancer patients but after the radiotherapy treatment, the TC (150.2 mg/dL) and LDL-C (89.8 mg/dL) were decreased., Conclusion: It seems that RT would have played a potential role in the treatment of BC. After RT the serum levels of PUFAs, TC, and LDL-C are improved. Our study reinforces the important role of RT in the management of BC. The level of PUFAs, TC, and LDL-C can be used as the biomarkers for early diagnosis in individuals with risk of breast cancer.

Background and Objectives: This study evaluated the association of maternal excessive gestational weight gain with saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in maternal and cord serum., Methods and Study Design: We included 77 pairs of women and their newborns and classified them into three groups as follows: mothers with normal gestational weight gain and their babies with normal birth weight in group I (30 pairs), mothers with excessive gestational weight gain and their babies with normal birth weight in group II (30 pairs), and mothers with excessive gestational weight gain and their macrosomic babies in group III (17 pairs). Serum fatty acid concentrations were determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry., Results: No remarkable difference in maternal dietary intake was observed among the three groups. C16:0, C18:0, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were significantly higher in group III mothers than in group I mothers. Compared with group I neonates, total saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations were significantly lower but total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were significantly higher in group II neonates (p<0.05). The n-6: n-3 ratio in maternal and cord serum was approximately 10:1 and 1.5:1, respectively., Conclusion: Women with excessive gestational weight gain who deliver a macrocosmic neonate tend to have higher total saturated fatty acid concentrations but lower docosahexaenoic acid concentrations in their neonate cord serum. Fatty acid concentrations in maternal and cord serum are not associated with maternal dietary pattern.

Background and Aims: Dietary fat composition is known to modulate circulating lipid and lipoprotein levels. Although supplementation with long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) has been shown to reduce plasma triglyceride levels, the effect of the interactions between LCn-3PUFA and the major dietary fats consumed has not been previously investigated., Methods: In a randomized controlled parallel design clinical intervention, we examined the effect of diets rich in either saturated fatty acids (SFA) or omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFA) on plasma lipid levels and lipoprotein profiles (lipoprotein size, concentration and distribution in subclasses) in subjects with an adequate omega 3 index. Twenty six healthy subjects went through a four-week pre-supplementation period with LCn-3PUFA and were then randomized to diets rich in either n-6PUFA or SFA both supplemented with LCn-3PUFA., Results: The diet rich in n-6PUFA decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle concentration (-8%, p=0.013) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) level (-8%, p=0.021), while the saturated fat rich diet did not affect LDL particle concentration or LDL-C levels significantly. Nevertheless, dietary saturated fatty acids increased LCn-3PUFA in plasma and tissue lipids compared with n-6PUFA, potentially reducing other cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation and clotting tendency., Conclusion: Improvement on the omega 3 index of healthy subjects did not alter the known effects of dietary saturated fats and n-6PUFA on LDL profiles., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In vitro, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs) may decrease the binding affinity of vitamin D metabolites for vitamin D-binding protein, which in turn may influence their bioavailability. FAs incorporated as phospholipids in erythrocyte (ery-) cell membranes reflect dietary intake. The purpose of this study was to investigate ery-FA composition in relation to markers for vitamin D. In healthy females (age 22.6 ± 2.0 years) total 25(OH)D was measured by LC-MS/MS (n = 78), free 25(OH)D with ELISA (n = 64 of 78), and bioavailable 25(OH)D was calculated. Analysis of ery-FA composition was by gas chromatography (n = 56 of 78). A strong correlation between total 25(OH)D and free 25(OH)D was seen (r = .66, p < .001), and between total-25(OH)D and bioavailable 25(OH)D (r = .68, p < .001). No correlations between 25(OH)D fractions and specific fatty acids were found, and in particular, no associations with mono- and poly-unsaturated FA compositions. All 25(OH)D fractions were correlated with leptin (total 25(OH)D (r = -.33, p < .003); bioavailable 25(OH)D (r = -.47, p < .001); free 25(OH)D (r = -.44, p < .001). Associations were found between PTH and total 25(OH)D (r = -.35, p = .002) and weaker between bioavailable 25(OH)D (r = -.35, p = .040) and free 25(OH)D (r = -.28, p = .079). All fractions of 25(OH)D appear to correlate in a similar way to PTH, BMI and body fat (leptin). No association was found between ery-FA composition and free/bioavailable 25(OH)D. It is unlikely that FAs are a strong uncoupling factor of DBP-bound 25(OH)D.

Aim: To study the spectrum of serum fatty acids (SSFA) and the composition of blood lipids in cholelithiasis (CL) in various ethnic groups of East Siberia., Subjects and Methods: A clinical and epidemiological study was conducted, during which ultrasonography and oral cholecystography were used to examine 991 Khakases and 934 Europoids in Khakassia and 652 Evenks and 996 Europoids in Evenkia. Biochemical tests were performed to determine serum lipids in 20% of the random sample. Gas liquid chromatography was applied to investigate ASSFA in 220 patients in Khakassia and 157 people in Evenkia., Results: The manifestations of hyperlipidemia were detected in the Europoids with CL in Evenkia and Khakassia. These changes were less pronounced in the Evenks with CL and absent in the Khakases with CL. In all populations, the blood levels of saturated FAs and ratios of saturated to unsaturated FAs were considerably higher in the patients with CL than in the healthy individuals., Conclusion: The higher levels of saturated FAs and the lower proportion of serum unsaturated FAs are a universal marker of lipid metabolic disturbances in patients with CL in genetically different populations.

Background/aims: Cystic fibrosis (CF) liver disease is the third most frequent cause of death in CF patients. Although it alters fatty acid (FA) metabolism, data concerning the profile of FA in CF patients with liver cirrhosis is lacking. This study aimed to assess the FA composition of serum phospholipids in CF patients with and without liver cirrhosis., Methods: The study comprised 25 CF patients with liver cirrhosis and 25 without it. We assessed Z-scores for body height and weight, lung function, exocrine pancreatic sufficiency and colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. FAs' profile of serum glycerophospholipids was quantified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry., Results: In CF patients with liver cirrhosis, the levels of C16:0 were higher and the amounts of C20:2n-6, C20:3n-6, C20:4n-6, and all the n-3 polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) (C18:3n-3, C20:5n-3, C22:5n-3, C22:6n-3) were lower than those in CF subjects without liver cirrhosis. The n-6/n-3, C20:4n-6/C18:2n-6, total n-6/C18:2n-6, C20:5n-3/C18:3n-3 and total n-3/C18:3n-3 ratios did not differ between the 2 groups., Conclusions: Liver cirrhosis may associate with profound abnormalities in the composition of serum glycerophospholipids FAs in CF patients. None of the analyzed clinical factors could explain the greater prevalence of low levels of PUFAs in this CF subgroup., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) are highly specialised large felids, currently listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red data list. In captivity, they are known to suffer from a range of chronic non-infectious diseases. Although low heterozygosity and the stress of captivity have been suggested as possible causal factors, recent studies have started to focus on the contribution of potential dietary factors in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Fatty acids are an important component of the diet, not only providing a source of metabolisable energy, but serving other important functions in hormone production, cellular signalling as well as providing structural components in biological membranes. To develop a better understanding of lipid metabolism in cheetahs, we compared the total serum fatty acid profiles of 35 captive cheetahs to those of 43 free-ranging individuals in Namibia using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The unsaturated fatty acid concentrations differed most remarkably between the groups, with all of the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, except arachidonic acid and hypogeic acid, detected at significantly lower concentrations in the serum of the free-ranging animals. The influence of age and sex on the individual fatty acid concentrations was less notable. This study represents the first evaluation of the serum fatty acids of free-ranging cheetahs, providing critical information on the normal fatty acid profiles of free-living, healthy individuals of this species. The results raise several important questions about the potential impact of dietary fatty acid composition on the health of cheetahs in captivity., Competing Interests: One of the authors (FR) is currently employed by Idexx Laboratories (Pty) Ltd, a commercial veterinary laboratory. Besides providing support in the form a salary, Idexx Laboratories played no role in any aspect of this study and this does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. The authors furthermore declare that no competing interest exist.

In coronary heart disease, the treatment of significant stenosis by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation elicits local and systemic inflammatory responses. This study was aimed at evaluation of the dynamics of inflammatory response and elucidation of the relationship between the fatty acid profile of red blood cell (RBC) membranes or plasma phospholipids and inflammation after PCI. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum amyloid A (SAA), malondialdehyde (MDA) and the fatty acid profiles were determined in patients with advanced coronary artery disease undergoing PCI before, 24 h and 48 h after drug-eluting stent implantation (n=36). Patients after PCI exhibited a significant increase in studied markers (hsCRP, IL-6, SAA, MDA). Many significant associations were found between the increase of IL-6, resp. SAA and the amounts of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (namely linoleic, dihomo-gamma-linolenic, docosatetraenoic and docosapentaenoic acid), resp. saturated fatty acids (pentadecanoic, stearic, nonadecanoic) in erythrocyte membranes. The magnitude of the inflammatory response to PCI is related to erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile, which seems to be a better potential predictor of elevation of inflammatory markers after PCI than plasma phospholipids.

Fatty acids (FA), especially arachidonic (AA, 20:4ω6) and docosahexaenoic (DHA, 22:6ω3) acids are critical for the health and development of infants. Colostrum FA composition has been examined in 101 lactating Tunisian women delivering prematurely using gas chromatography. Among polyunsaturated FA, linoleic acid predominated whereas each of the other polyunsaturated FA accounted for 1% or less of total FA. Colostrum AA and DHA contents were lower in women aged above 34 years compared to those less than 34 years. Preeclampsia was associated with lower DHA (0.40±0.22 vs. 0.53±0.27; p=0.018), but higher AA (1.14±0.44 vs. 0.93±0.30; p<0.006) and AA:DHA ratio (4.31±4.04 vs. 2.29±2.79; p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, colostrum DHA correlated with plasma DHA (β, 0.417; p=0.002), maternal age (β, -0.290; p=0.028) and preeclampsia (β, -0.270; p=0.042). Preterm colostrum FA profile in Tunisian women is comparable to those of other populations. Colostrum AA and DHA levels are altered in aged and pre-eclamptic women., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum concentrations of total saturated fatty acids (SFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and their fractions are associated with plasma adiponectin and leptin concentrations throughout pregnancy., Methods: A prospective cohort of 201 pregnant women was followed from gestational weeks 5 to 13, 20 to 26, and 30 to 36. Blood samples were collected at the three visits after 12 h of fasting. Fatty acid concentrations were determined using fast gas-liquid chromatography. Plasma adiponectin (μg/mL) and leptin (ng/dL) concentrations were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Statistical analyses included median adipokine concentrations according to the tertiles of fatty acid distribution and multiple linear mixed-effect models adjusted for body mass index, gestational age, total energy intake, alcohol consumption, and smoking., Results: Women classified in the third SFA concentration tertile had lower median values of adiponectin compared with those in the first tertile ([first trimester: first tertile = 5.36; third tertile = 5.00]; [second trimester: first tertile = 6.39; third tertile = 4.47]; [third trimester: first tertile = 6.46; third tertile = 4.60]). Similar trends were observed for the 14:0, 16:0 and 18:0 fractions. In the multiple longitudinal models, total SFA (β = -41.039; P = 0.008) and 16:0 were negatively associated with plasma adiponectin (16:0, β = -0.511; P = 0.001). Total PUFA ω-6 (β = 28.961; P = 0.002) and 18:2 ω-6 (β = 0.259, P = 0.006) were positively associated with the adiponectin. Total SFA (β = 0.110, P = 0.007), 14:0 (β = 0.072, P = 0.011), and 20:3 ω-6 (β = 0.039; P = 0.035) were positively associated with plasma leptin., Conclusions: Total serum SFA and the 16:0 fraction were negatively associated with plasma adiponectin and positively associated with leptin concentrations. Total ω-6 PUFA was positively associated only with plasma adiponectin concentrations throughout pregnancy., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background/objectives: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) are better absorbed when they are combined with high-fat meals. However, the role of different dietary fats in modulating the incorporation of n-3PUFA in blood lipids in humans has not been previously explored. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFA) are known to compete with n-3PUFA in the metabolic pathways and for the incorporation into phospholipids, whereas saturated fats (SFA) may enhance n-3PUFA incorporation into tissues., Subjects/methods: In a randomized parallel-design trial, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of n-3PUFA supplementation in subjects consuming a diet enriched with either SFA or n-6PUFA on fatty acid incorporation into plasma and erythrocytes and on blood lipid profiles (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides)., Results: Dietary supplementation with n-3PUFA co-administered with SFA for 6 weeks resulted in a significant rise in total cholesterol (0.46±0.60 mmol/L; P=0.020) and LDL-C (0.48±0.48 mmol/L; P=0.011) in comparison with combination with n-6PUFA. The diet enriched with SFA also induced a greater increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (2.07±0.79 vs 1.15±0.53; P=0.004), a smaller decrease in docosapentaenoic acid (-0.12±0.23 vs -0.30±0.20; P=0.034) and a similar increase in docosahexaenoic acid (3.85±1.14 vs 3.10±1.07; P=0.128) percentage in plasma compared with the diet enriched with n-6PUFA. A similar effect was seen in erythrocytes. N-3PUFA supplementation resulted in similar changes in HDL-C and triglyceride levels., Conclusions: The results suggest that dietary substitution of SFA with n-6PUFA, despite maintaining low levels of circulating cholesterol, hinders n-3PUFA incorporation into plasma and tissue lipids.

Background: The present study aimed to describe the relationship between self-reported dietary intake and serum cholesterol fatty acids (FAs) in a Swedish population of 60-year-old men and women., Methods: Cross-sectional data collected in 1997-1998 from 4232 individuals residing in Stockholm County were used. Five diet scores were created to reflect the intake of saturated fats in general, as well as fats from dairy, fish, processed meat and vegetable oils and margarines. Gas chromatography was used to assess 13 FAs in serum cholesterol esters. The association between each diet score and specific FAs was assessed by percentile differences (PD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile of each FA across levels of diet scores using quantile regression., Results: Fish intake was associated with high proportions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). For each point increase in fish score, the 50th PD in EPA and DHA was 32.78% (95% CI = 29.22% to 36.35%) and 10.63% (95% CI = 9.52% to 11.74%), respectively. Vegetable fat intake was associated with a high proportion of linoleic acid and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a low proportion of total saturated fatty acids (SFA). The intake of saturated fats in general and dairy fat was slightly associated with specific SFA, although the intake of fat from meat was not., Conclusions: In the present study population, using a rather simple dietary assessment method, the intake of fish and vegetable fats was clearly associated with serum PUFA, whereas foods rich in saturated fats in general showed a weak relationship with serum SFA. Our results may contribute to increased knowledge about underlying biology in diet-cardiovascular disease associations., (© 2015 The British Dietetic Association Ltd.)

Objective: Fatty acids are important cellular constituents that can affect many metabolic processes relevant for the development of diabetes and its complications. We previously demonstrated a positive effect of eating just 2 meals a day, breakfast and lunch, compared to 6 small meals. The aim of this secondary analysis was to explore the effect of meal frequency on the fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D)., Methods: In a randomized, crossover study, we assigned 54 patients with T2D to follow one of 2 regimens of a hypocaloric diet (-500 kcal/day), each for 12 weeks: 6 meals (A6) or 2 meals a day, breakfast and lunch (B2). The diet in both regimens had the same macronutrient and energy content. The fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids was measured at weeks 0, 12, and 24, using gas liquid chromatography. Insulin sensitivity was derived as an oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS) index., Results: Saturated fatty acids (mainly myristic and palmitic acids) decreased (p < 0.001) and n6 polyunsaturated fatty acids increased (p < 0.001) in response to both regimens but more with B2 (p < 0.001 for both). Monounsaturated fatty acids decreased (p < 0.05) and n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids increased (p < 0.001) in response to both regimens, with no difference between the regimens. An increase in OGIS correlated positively with changes in the proportion of linoleic acid in B2. This correlation remained significant even after adjustment for changes in body mass index (BMI; r = +0.38; p = 0.012)., Conclusions: We demonstrated that meal frequency affects the fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids. The B2 regimen had more marked positive effects, with saturated fatty acids and the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids decreasing more. The increase in linoleic acid could partly explain the insulin-sensitizing effect of B2 in T2D.

Objective: To investigate the dietary pattern during pregnancy and the compositions of fatty acids of phosphatidylcholine (PC) during pregnancy in different regions of China., Method: 35 Health women of each region were recruited from three different geographical regions in China: Jurong (an inland region close to freshwater), Rizhao (a coastal region) and Xushui (an inland region with limited access to freshwater). All women were long-term residents of their respective region. Their dietary status (including consumption frequency of food and consumption of culinary oil) during second trimester pregnancy was recorded and the fatty acid composition of PC in plasma during late pregnancy (34 weeks gestation) was quantified by GC., Results: The consumption frequency of marine fish in Rizhao was significant higher than in other two regions. The main n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of PC in plasma was docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in all regions. The composition of DHA in three regions were (3.31 +/- 0.77) %, (3.74 +/- 1.21) % and (2.44 +/- 0.63) %, respectively. The composition of DHA in Xushui was significant lower than in other two regions (P < 0.017). There was positive relationship between consumption frequency of marine fish and composition of DHA of PC in plasma (r = 0.337, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: There was relationship between pregnant women's fatty acids composition of PC in plasma and their dietary. The consumption of food with high content of n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy would be more practical for DHA store of pregnant women.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of flaxseed flour in the intake on adiposity and femur structure of the lactating rats during the post-weaning period. After weaning, the lactating rats were divided into control (C, n = 6) and experimental (F, n = 6) groups treated with a diet containing flaxseed flour. Serum hormone and fatty acids composition, morphology of intra-abdominal adipocytes, computed tomography and biomechanical analyses of femur were determined. Food intake, body mass and hormone analysis have shown similar results. The F group showed the following (p < 0.05): lower arachidonic acid (-60%), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (-30%) and retroperitoneal adipocytes (-36%) area. Higher radiodensity of femoral head region (+29%) and higher maximum force (+18%), breaking strength (+18%) and rigidity (+31%). Fatty acid composition of flaxseed flour decreased the area of adipocytes and improved the bone quality, which may be associated with lower serum levels of arachidonic acid levels, during the post-weaning period.

Aim: To investigate whether liver steatosis reduction due to a six-month dietary intervention results in significant changes in the concentrations of fatty acids., Methods: A group of 35 Caucasian individuals diagnosed with different levels of steatosis were prospectively enrolled in the present study. Analysis of the fatty acid profiles was performed according to changes in liver steatosis (liver steatosis reduction by one or two degrees) after a six-month dietary intervention. The diet helped reduce body mass in obese and overweight patients, and stabilize both glycemia and dyslipidemia. Fatty acids were extracted according to the Folch method and analyzed by gas chromatography., Results: This study showed significant changes in fatty acid profiles in patients who had reduced liver steatosis by one as well as two degrees. A reduction in liver steatosis by one degree caused a significant increase in the level of the n-3 family: eicosapentaenoic acid (P < 0.055), docosapentaenoic acid-C 22:5 (P < 0.05) and docosahexaenoic acid (P < 0.05). A reduction in liver steatosis by two degrees caused a significant decrease in serum palmitoleic acid-C 16:1 (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Liver steatosis reduction is associated with changes in fatty acid profiles, and these changes may reflect an alteration in fatty acid synthesis and metabolism. These findings may help better understand regression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Background/objective: Cytokines released from the adipose tissue and fatty acids (FAs) derived from lipolysis or uptake of fats go in to competition with glucose to be uptaken from the liver leads to insulin resistance (IR). We aimed to show the associations among serum lipid profile, FA compositions and IR., Methods: Anthropometrical measurements, biochemical parameters and erythrocyte membrane (EM) FA levels of 95 obese adolescents (41 with IR) and 40 healthy controls were compared., Results: LDL-C, fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR were significantly higher and HDL-C levels were significantly lower in obese patients than in controls (p=0.013, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). EM C 24:0, C 16:1 ω7 and C 22:1 ω9 FA levels were significantly higher, while C 20:5 ω3 (EPA) levels were significantly lower in obese subjects than in controls (p<0.001, p=0.018, p<0.001, p=0.043 and p<0.001, respectively). Moreover, when obese subjects divided into two groups according to the presence of IR; EM C 16:1 ω7 levels were still significantly higher and EPA levels were still significantly lower in both obese subjects with and without IR compared to controls (p<0.001 for both)., Conclusion: Saturated FA intake should be decreased because of its role in the development of obesity and IR, and ω-3 group FA intake should be increased., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Globoid cell leukodystrophy or Krabbe disease is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the galactosylceramidase gene. The objective of the study was to present information about the fatty acid (FA) composition of the brain and serum of twitcher mice, a mouse model of Krabbe disease, compared to wild type, in order to identify biomarker of disease progression. We defined the FA profiles by identifying the main components present in serum and brain using GC-EI-MS analysis. The FA percentage composition was measured and data were analyzed considering the disease and the mouse age as experimental factors. Significant correlations were established, both in brain and in serum, in the fatty acid percentage composition of twitcher compared to wild type mice. The most abundant saturated fatty acid in brain was the palmitic acid (C16:0) with mean values significantly increased in twitcher mouse (p = 0.0142); moreover, three monounsaturated, three polyunsaturated (PUFA) and a plasmalogen were significantly correlated to disease. In the serum highly significant differences were observed between the two groups for three polyunsaturated fatty acids. In fact, the docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3c) content was significantly increased (p = 0.0116), while the C20 PUFA (C20:3n6c and C20:5n3c) were significantly decreased in twitcher serum samples. Our study shows a specific FA profile that may help to define a possible pattern that could distinguish between twitcher and wild type; these data are likely to provide insight in the identification of new biomarkers to monitor the disease progression and thereby permit the critical analysis of therapeutic approaches.

Background: The effects of tacrolimus (Tac) and cyclosporine (CsA) on lipid profile is well known; however, little is known about the changes in fatty acids (FA) of phosholipids fraction (PL) in heart transplant patients after treatment with these immunosuppressants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Tac and CsA on serum FA of PL in heart transplant patients., Methods: The study included 23 patients after heart transplantation on Tac (n = 14; group II) or CsA (n = 9; group I). Eleven healthy persons served as a control group. Serum FA of PL were extracted, separated on Sep-Pak NH2, methylated, and measured with the use of gas chromatography. Chemstation software was used to analyze the data., Results: No differences between the studied groups and control were noted for saturated FA, monounsaturated FA, polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), total FA, and PUFA n-6. The mean value of PUFA n-3 was significantly higher in the CsA group compared with the Tac group (P < .015) and control (P < .002) as well as in the Tac group compared with control (P < .001). For individual FA, higher mean concentration, compared with control, was found for C24, C20:2, C20:4, and C22:6 (P < .001 in all cases) and lower for C18:2cis (P < .001 in both groups) and for C18:3 in the Tac group. The mean values of PUFA n-6 to PUFA n-3 ratios were lower than in control (both P < .001)., Conclusions: Different pattern of FA of PL may indicate the different FA metabolism in heart transplant patients treated by different immunosuppressants. This should be taken into account when FA supplementation in these patients is considered.

Background: Individual studies have suggested that some circulating fatty acids are associated with prostate cancer risk, but have not been large enough to provide precise estimates of associations, particularly by stage and grade of disease., Methods: Principal investigators of prospective studies on circulating fatty acids and prostate cancer were invited to collaborate. Investigators provided individual participant data on circulating fatty acids (weight percent) and other characteristics of prostate cancer cases and controls. Prostate cancer risk by study-specific fifths of 14 fatty acids was estimated using multivariable-adjusted conditional logistic regression. All statistical tests were two-sided., Results: Five thousand and ninety-eight case patients and 6649 control patients from seven studies with an average follow-up of 5.1 (SD = 3.3) years were included. Stearic acid (18:0) was inversely associated with total prostate cancer (odds ratio [OR] Q5 vs Q1 = 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.78 to 1.00, P trend = .043). Prostate cancer risk was, respectively, 14% and 16% greater in the highest fifth of eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.29, Ptrend = .001) and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3) (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.33, P trend = .003), but in each case there was heterogeneity between studies (P = .022 and P < .001, respectively). There was heterogeneity in the association between docosapentaenoic acid and prostate cancer by grade of disease (P = .006); the association was statistically significant for low-grade disease but not high-grade disease. The remaining 11 fatty acids were not statistically associated with total prostate cancer risk., Conclusion: There was no strong evidence that circulating fatty acids are important predictors of prostate cancer risk. It is not clear whether the modest associations of stearic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acid are causal., (© The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press.)

The aim was to determine the effects of a diet supplemented with 1.14 g per day of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for eight weeks on the plasma oxidative balance and anti-inflammatory markers after training and acute exercise. Fifteen volunteer male football players were randomly assigned to placebo or experimental and supplemented groups. Blood samples were taken under resting conditions at the beginning and after eight weeks of training under resting and post-exercise conditions. The experimental beverage increased the plasma DHA availability in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and triglyceride fatty acids (TGFAs) and increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) fraction of NEFAs but had no effects on the biomarkers for oxidative balance in plasma. During training, plasma protein markers of oxidative damage, the haemolysis degree and the antioxidant enzyme activities increased, but did not affect lipid oxidative damage. Training season and DHA influenced the circulating levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Acute exercise did not alter the basal levels of plasma markers for oxidative and nitrosative damage of proteins and lipids, and the antioxidant enzyme activities, although DHA-diet supplementation significantly increased the PGE2 in plasma after acute exercise. In conclusion, the training season and acute exercise, but not the DHA diet supplementation, altered the pattern of plasma oxidative damage, as the antioxidant system proved sufficient to prevent the oxidative damage induced by the acute exercise in well-trained footballers. The DHA-diet supplementation increased the prostaglandin PGE2 plasma evidencing anti-inflammatory effects of DHA to control inflammation after acute exercise.

The recommendation to reduce saturated fatty acid (SFA) consumption to ≤10% of total energy (%TE) is a key public health target aimed at lowering cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Replacement of SFA with unsaturated fats may provide greater benefit than replacement with carbohydrates, yet the optimal type of fat is unclear. The aim of the DIVAS (Dietary Intervention and Vascular Function) study was to develop a flexible food-exchange model to investigate the effects of substituting SFAs with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) or n-6 (ω-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on CVD risk factors. In this parallel study, UK adults aged 21-60 y with moderate CVD risk (50% greater than the population mean) were identified using a risk assessment tool (n = 195; 56% females). Three 16-wk isoenergetic diets of specific fatty acid (FA) composition (%TE SFA:%TE MUFA:%TE n-6 PUFA) were designed using spreads, oils, dairy products, and snacks as follows: 1) SFA-rich diet (17:11:4; n = 65); 2) MUFA-rich diet (9:19:4; n = 64); and 3) n-6 PUFA-rich diet (9:13:10; n = 66). Each diet provided 36%TE total fat. Dietary targets were broadly met for all intervention groups, reaching 17.6 ± 0.4%TE SFA, 18.5 ± 0.3%TE MUFA, and 10.4 ± 0.3%TE n-6 PUFA in the respective diets, with significant overall diet effects for the changes in SFAs, MUFAs, and n-6 PUFAs between groups (P < 0.001). There were no differences in the changes of total fat, protein, carbohydrate, and alcohol intake or anthropometric measures between groups. Plasma phospholipid FA composition showed changes from baseline in the proportions of total SFAs, MUFAs, and n-6 PUFAs for each diet group, with the changes in SFAs and MUFAs differing between the groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, successful implementation of the food-exchange model broadly achieved the dietary target intakes for the exchange of SFAs with MUFAs or n-6 PUFAs with minimal disruption to the overall diet in a free-living population. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01478958., (© 2014 American Society for Nutrition.)

Objective: Adjustment for body weight and physical activity has been suggested as an alternative to adjusting for reported energy intake in nutritional epidemiology. We examined which of these approaches would yield stronger correlations between nutrients and their biomarkers., Design: A cross-sectional study in which dietary fatty acids, carotenoids and retinol were adjusted for reported energy intake and, separately, for weight and physical activity using the residual method. Correlations between adjusted nutrients and their biomarkers were examined., Setting: USA., Subjects: Cases and controls from a nested case-control study of erythrocyte fatty acids and CHD (n 442) and of plasma carotenoids and retinol and breast cancer (n 1254)., Results: Correlations between intakes and plasma levels of trans-fatty acids were 0·30 (energy-adjusted) and 0·16 (weight- and activity-adjusted); for erythrocyte levels, the corresponding correlations were 0·37 and 0·25. Energy-adjusted intakes of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid were more strongly correlated with their respective biomarkers than weight- and activity-adjusted intakes, but the differences were not significant except for linoleic acid (erythrocyte). Weight- and activity-adjusted DHA intake was slightly more strongly correlated with its plasma biomarker than energy-adjusted intake (0·37 v. 0·34). Neither method made a difference for DHA (erythrocyte), carotenoids and retinol., Conclusions: The effect of energy adjustment depends on the nutrient under investigation, and adjustment for energy calculated from the same questionnaire used to estimate nutrient intakes improves the correlation of some nutrients with their biomarkers appreciably. For the nutrients examined, adjustment using weight and physical activity had at most a small effect on these correlations.

Background: Dairy food is an important natural source of saturated and trans fatty acids in the human diet. This study evaluates the effect of dietary advice to change dairy food intake on plasma fatty acid levels known to be present in milk in healthy volunteers., Methods: Twenty one samples of whole fat dairy milk were analyzed for fatty acids levels. Changes in levels of plasma phospholipid levels were evaluated in 180 healthy volunteers randomized to increase, not change or reduce dairy intake for one month. Fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and levels are normalized to d-4 alanine., Results: The long chain fatty acids palmitic (13.4%), stearic (16.7%) and myristic (18.9%) acid were most common saturated fats in milk. Four trans fatty acids constituted 3.7% of the total milk fat content. Increased dairy food intake by 3.0 (± 1.2) serves/ day for 1 month was associated with small increases in plasma levels of myristic (+0.05, 95% confidence level-0.08 to 0.13, p = 0.07), pentadecanoic (+0.014, 95% confidence level -0.016 to 0.048, p = 0.02) and margaric acid (+0.02, -0.03 to 0.05, p = 0.03). There was no significant change in plasma levels of 4 saturated, 4 trans and 10 unsaturated fatty acids. Decreasing dairy food intake by 2.5 (± 1.2) serves per day was not associated with change in levels of any plasma fatty acid levels., Conclusion: Dietary advice to change dairy food has a minor effect on plasma fatty acid levels., Trial Registration: ACTRN12612000574842.

Background/objective: Blood proportions of fatty acids (FAs) and FA-ratios reflecting desaturase activity are associated with the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases. Biomarkers of dyslipidemia are considered as potential mediators of this association. We evaluated associations of erythrocyte membrane proportions of individual disease-related polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), trans-FAs, dairy-derived saturated FAs (SFAs) (15:0, 17:0) and FA-ratios with biomarkers of dyslipidemia (high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides)., Subjects/methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a subsample (n=1759) of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Potsdam study. Associations of individual FAs and FA-ratios with plasma biomarkers of dyslipidemia were evaluated by linear multivariable regression., Results: Most notably, FA-ratios reflecting activity of Δ6-desaturase (D6D) and stearoyl-coenzyme A-desaturase (SCD) were positively associated with triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol concentrations (adjusted means (95% confidence interval (CI)) of triglycerides (mg/dl) across D6D tertiles: men--102 (94.7-110), 111 (104-120), 144 (134-156) and women--73.5 (70.0-77.2), 82.9 (79.0-86.9), 94.2 (89.7-98.9)); across SCD tertiles: men--99.0 (91.8-107), 115 (107-124), 144 (134-156) and women--72.4 (69.0-76.0), 81.5 (77.8-85.5), 97.2 (92.6-102)), whereas inverse associations with triglycerides were observed for the estimated Δ5-desaturase (D5D) activity (adjusted means (95% CI) of triglycerides (mg/dl) across D5D tertiles: men--128 (119-138), 121 (113-131), 106 (97.9-114) and women--92.0 (87.6-96.6), 82.8 (78.9-86.9), 75.3 (71.6-79.1), P-values for trend at least 0.0006). Furthermore, we observed generally weaker and less consistent associations of dairy-derived SFAs (mainly 17:0) with triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol. Individual PUFAs and trans-FAs were, if at all, only weakly associated with dyslipidemia markers., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol concentrations may be mediators that link intake and metabolism of FAs to metabolic risk.

Background: Mechanistic data suggest that different types of fatty acids play a role in carcinogenesis and that antioxidants may modulate this relationship but epidemiologic evidence is lacking. Our aim was to investigate the association between plasma saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs) and overall and breast cancer risk and to evaluate the potential modulatory effect of an antioxidant supplementation on these relationships., Methods: A nested case-control study included all first incident cancer cases diagnosed in the SU.VI.MAX study between 1994 and 2002 (n=250 cases, one matched control/case). Participants to the SU.VI.MAX randomized controlled trial received either vitamin/mineral antioxidants or placebo during this intervention period. Baseline fatty acid composition of plasma total lipids was measured by gas chromatography. Conditional logistic regression was performed overall and stratified by intervention group., Results: Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (Ptrend=0.002), the dihomo-γ-linolenic/linoleic acids ratio (Ptrend=0.001), mead acid (Ptrend=0.0004), and palmitoleic acid (Ptrend=0.02) were inversely associated with overall cancer risk. The arachidonic/dihomo-γ-linolenic acids ratio (Ptrend=0.02) and linoleic acid (Ptrend=0.02) were directly associated with overall cancer risk. Similar results were observed for breast cancer specifically. In stratified analyses, associations were only observed in the placebo group. Notably, total PUFAs were directly associated with overall (Ptrend=0.02) and breast cancer risk in the placebo group only., Conclusion: Specific SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs were prospectively differentially associated with cancer risk. In addition, this study suggests that antioxidants may modulate these associations by counteracting the potential effects of these fatty acids on carcinogenesis.

Abstract Oxidative stress (OS) plays a key role in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension and is associated with changes in the cell membrane fatty acid composition and fluidity. As (Na,K)-ATPase is modulated by the surrounding lipid microenvironment, lipid peroxidation could alter the interactions of this enzyme with the membrane components. Thus, modifications in the membrane fatty acid profile will translate into effects on (Na,K)-ATPase activity. Accordingly, a decrease in this enzyme activity has been reported in hypertensive patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between membrane fluidity and fatty acid composition and (Na,K)-ATPase activity in erythrocytes of essential hypertensive patients supplemented with antioxidant vitamins C and E. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted in 120 men with essential hypertension assigned to receive vitamin C (1 g/day) +E (400 IU/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Measurements included OS related parameters: GSH/GSSG ratio, F2-isoprostanes and antioxidant capacity of plasma, (Na,K)-ATPase activity and erythrocytes membrane fatty acid composition (PUFA, polyunsaturated fatty acids; SAFA, saturated fatty acids). Associations were assessed by Pearson correlation and the differences by Student t-test (p<0.05). Supplemented hypertensive patients showed higher activity of (Na,K)-ATPase and proportion of PUFA, and lower blood pressure, OS markers and proportion of SAFA, versus placebo. The activity of (Na,K)-ATPase correlated negatively with the proportion of SAFA, but positively with that of PUFA in both groups. Supplementation with vitamins C+E resulted in decreased OS and increased fluidity and PUFA proportion in the membrane, both of which positively modulate (Na,K)-ATPase activity, accounting for the blood pressure reduction.