Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that the enzymes phosphofructokinase (PFK) and citrate cleavage enzyme (CCE) increase in activity in response to 600 kcal diets in adipose tissue of obese humans while decreasing in lean controls. We have now examined the possible role of different dietary fats since others have shown a decrease in adipose tissue lipogenesis in vivo in rats fed medium chain triglyceride (MCT) when compared to long chain triglyceride (LCT). We compared the effect of dietary LCT and MCT in obese adolescents (n=13) before (weight maintenance;I), during (600 kcals;II), and after (1100 kcals;III) weight reduction. The diets contained 20% of calories as protein, 40% as carbohydrate, and 40% as fat (either 40% LCT or 20% LCT & 20% MCT). Fat samples were obtained weekly and analyzed for PFK, CCE, malic enzyme (ME), and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). During period I there was no difference in enzyme activities when LCT was compared to MCT. During period II CCE was lower on MCT than LCT (3.7 ±2, 12.7±9;p<.05). During period III MCT significantly decreased the activities of PFK (26.0±11, 43.4±10;p<.03) and ME (17.7±7, 32.2±15;p<.04) while increasing the activity of G6PD (33.1±12, 16.0±11;p<.04). The lower activities of ME, CCE, and PFK during MCT diets suggests a dampening effect of the oil on glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis. MCT may be a useful adjunct to weight reduction therapy, especially during the post weight-reduction period when most diets fail.
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