Oleic acid prevents stearic acid‐induced inhibition of cell growth and pro‐inflammatory responses in human aortic endothelial cells

Abstract

Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) have been linked to cardiovascular disease complications. However, SFAs represent significant components of both enteral/parenteral nutritional formulations, which may further contribute to existing disease pathologies. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether oleic acid (C18:1) reduces the growth inhibitory and pro‐inflammatory effects of stearic acid (C18:0) in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Growth and cytotoxicity assays were quantified by a WST‐1 assay. Adhesion molecule (ICAM‐1) expression and apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry. NF‐κB activation was assayed by western blot. A lower concentration of stearic acid treatment inhibited cell proliferation, whereas a higher concentration induced cellular toxicity through an apoptotic mechanism. Stearic acid‐induced effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis were reduced by oleic acid in a dose dependent manner (0–25 μM). Stearic acid treatment also increased ICAM‐1 expression, which was also reduced by levels of oleic acid as low as 5 μM. Further, stearic acid activated NF‐κB a pro‐inflammatory mediator, in a dose dependent manner. However, when combined with oleic acid, this activation was reduced. Our data suggests that oleic acid has the ability to reduce the growth inhibitory and pro‐inflammatory effects of long‐chain saturated fatty acids, specifically stearic acid, on HAECs.