Acid Composition In Patients Research Articles

Altered Bile Acid and Pouch Microbiota Composition in Patients With Chronic Pouchitis.

Patients with ulcerative colitis and total abdominal proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis have a 50% risk of pouchitis and a 5% to 10% risk of chronic pouchitis. The goal of the study was to compare pouch microbiota and stool bile acid composition in patients with chronic pouchitis, chronic pouchitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis, and normal pouch. Patients with ulcerative colitis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis were recruited from March 20, 2014, to August 6, 2019, and categorized into normal pouch, chronic pouchitis, and chronic pouchitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis groups. Stool samples were subjected to bile acid quantification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Statistical comparisons of absolute bile acid abundance and pouch microbiota α-diversity, β-diversity, and taxa abundance were performed among the patient groups. A total of 51 samples were analyzed. Both α-diversity (P = .01, species richness) and β-diversity (P = .001) significantly differed among groups. Lithocholic acid was significantly lower in patients with chronic pouchitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis than in those with chronic pouchitis (P = .01) or normal pouch (P = .03). Decreased α-diversity was associated with an increased primary to secondary bile acid ratio (P = .002), which was also associated with changes in β-diversity (P = .006). Pouch microbiota α- and β-diversity differed among patients with normal pouch, chronic pouchitis, and chronic pouchitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis. Lithocholic acid level and primary to secondary bile acid ratio were highly associated with pouch microbiota richness, structure, and composition. These findings emphasize the associations between pouch microbiota and bile acid composition in dysbiosis and altered metabolism, suggesting that secondary bile acids are decreased in chronic pouchitis.

Association and Implications of Blood and Plaque n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Composition in Patients Treated with Oral Eicosapentaenoic Acid before Carotid Endarterectomy.

Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), have been shown to prevent atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease, including stroke. Recently, the ratio of serum EPA to arachidonic acid (AA; EPA/AA ratio) has been reported to be a biomarker to prevent cardiovascular disease. In this study, we evaluate whether the serum EPA/AA ratio would be a useful biomarker for determining the efficacy of orally administered EPA in preventing stroke by investigating tissue and serum EPA/AA ratios, serum inflammatory markers, and carotid artery intimamedia thickness (IMT). Patients with dyslipidemia, as the primary illness scheduled for carotid endarterectomy (CEA), were included and randomly assigned to the EPA group (EPA: 1,800 mg/day plus statin; 10 patients) or non-EPA group (statin only; 15 patients). PUFA fraction was evaluated in the tissue (post-CEA) and serum (pre-CEA and 6 months thereafter). As for the tissue PUFA fraction in the plaque, the EPA group had a significantly higher EPA/AA ratio (EPA group, 0.46; non-EPA group, 0.28; p = 0.01). At 6 months postoperatively, the EPA group had a significantly higher serum EPA/AA ratio (baseline, 0.83; follow-up, 1.60; p = 0.05). No significant differences were found for inflammatory markers and IMT. Both serum and tissue EPA/AA ratios were higher in patients treated with oral EPA. Serum EPA/AA ratio might be a useful biomarker for the efficacy of orally administered EPA.

Development and validation of a novel sepsis biomarker based on amino acid profiling

Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition influenced by pathogens and host factors. Current sepsis biomarkers such as white blood cell count and C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels show unsatisfactory performance in terms of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in clinical practice. Thus, we developed and validated a new sepsis biomarker based on amino acid profiling. We used two independent groups. The training and validation groups included 161 and 22 healthy controls, 123 and 50 patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and 115 and 45 patients with sepsis, respectively. Using mass spectrometry, we measured and analyzed serum amino acid levels to select candidate amino acids that could differentiate sepsis from other conditions. Then, several possible multivariate indexes were developed by generating formulae with different combinations of candidate amino acids. The formula showing the best performance was selected and validated further. Kynurenine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and glutamine were selected as candidate amino acids. Ten possible formulae were generated, and the formula with the highest diagnostic performance, which included kynurenine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, and arginine, was selected. In the validation group, the area under the receiving operating characteristic curve of the selected multivariate index (0.931) was similar to that of procalcitonin (0.945). Moreover, the generated multivariate index showed potential as a prognostic marker. Serum amino acid composition in patients with sepsis differs significantly from that in healthy individuals and patients with inflammation only. The newly developed multivariate index is expected to be implementable as a sepsis biomarker in clinical practice in the near future.

Fatty acid desaturation in red blood cell membranes of patients with type 2 diabetes is improved by zinc supplementation

Background/ObjectiveMembrane 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/methodsSixty 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. ResultsAfter 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). ConclusionsSupplementation 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.

Erythrocyte Membrane and Plasma Fatty Acids Composition in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease Requiring Percutaneous Angioplasty

Aims: Atherosclerosis is associated with oxidative stress and fatty acid composition plays a critical role in vascular endothelial dysfunction and injury leading to the coronary atherosclerotic progression. However, the correlation between the fatty acid profile and coronary atherosclerosis is debatable. The goal of this study is to assess the erythrocyte membrane and plasma fatty acid composition in patients with coronary heart disease.
 Methods: The erythrocyte membrane and plasma distributions of fatty acids were quantified in patients with coronary heart disease (n = 30, group A) which needs both intensive medication and elective percutaneous coronary intervention and age-matched controls (n = 38, group B) using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with evaporative light scattering detection method. Baseline data were extracted from medical records.
 Results: Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that hypoalbuminemia (p = 0.010) and HbA1c (p = 0.005) are associated with required percutaneous coronary intervention. Although appropriate logistic regression model for percutaneous coronary intervention could not be obtained by incorporating fatty acid components, percutaneous coronary intervention was correlated mostly to the increased oleic acid and decreased stearic acid in both erythrocyte membrane and plasma in receiver-operating characteristic analysis.
 Conclusion: This single-center, cross-sectional study indicated that erythrocyte membrane and plasma fatty acids have a potential impact on the coronary atherosclerotic progression which requires coronary intervention. Longitudinal studies are necessary to clarify the clinical role of fatty acids distribution as a novel atherogenic marker.

Adverse plasma fatty acid composition in patients with femoral neck fracture1

Our study aimed to examine the status of plasma fatty acids (FAs), inflammatory markers, and lipid peroxidation in patients with femoral neck fractures. The study included 20 patients (64-86 years) with femoral neck fractures indicated for surgery and a control group of 17 elderly subjects without fractures or serious chronic diseases. Plasma was obtained during the first 12 h postfracture and presurgery and 7 days postop. Compared to the control, patients had significantly higher saturated FA (SFA) and monounsaturated FA as well as increased TNF-α and IL-6. Opposite to that, levels of individual and total n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), individual and total n-3 PUFA, n-6/n-3 ratio, and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were markedly lower in the patient than in the controls. On the seventh day after the surgery, we showed a further rise in the SFA, oleic acid, and TNF-α and reductions of n-6 PUFA and IL-6. Taken together, our results suggest that altered FA status, especially reduced PUFA, may influence hip fracture repair and even contribute to femoral fracture susceptibility in the elderly. A potential benefit from nutritional intervention with PUFA in prevention and (or) fracture healing should be considered.

БИОХИМИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ МЕТАБОЛИЗМА КОЛЛАГЕНА IV ТИПА И ОСОБЕННОСТИ АМИНОКИСЛОТНОГО СОСТАВА ПЛАЗМЫ КРОВИ У ПАЦИЕНТОВ С ГАСТРОЭЗОФАГЕАЛЬНОЙ РЕФЛЮКСНОЙ БОЛЕЗНЬЮ И/ИЛИ СИНДРОМОМ ОБСТРУКТИВНОГО АПНОЭ/ГИПОПНОЭ СНА

Background. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) seem to be comorbid conditions. However, pathogenetic interactions between these conditions are not completely researched. Aim of the study. To determine the interrelation between plasma collagen type IV and cortisol levels and to investigate plasma amino acid composition in patients with GERD and OSAHS. Material and methods. A total of 143 patients have been examined. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and respiratory monitoring were performed. The patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1 – patients with GERD, group 2 – those with GERD and OSAHS, group 3 – those with OSAHS, group 4 – the comparison group. The plasma levels of cortisol, collagen type IV and amino acids were estimated. Results. The patients with GERD and OSAHS had higher plasma levels of cortisol and collagen type IV and a low level of glycine in contrast to the comparison group. We revealed a positive correlation between plasma cortisol level and apnea/hypopnea index (AHI), between collagen type IV level and AHI as well as between the levels of cortisol and collagen type IV. Conclusions. The presence of OSAHS in patients with GERD is associated with high levels of cortisol and collagen type IV and low levels of glycine in blood plasma.

7. Regional differences in gall bladder bile acid composition in patients with gallstones

Background and Aims: Chemical and structural analysis of gallstones from the Indian subcontinent has shown that the formation of gallstone type is dependent on the regional and dietary factors. We aim to determine the various bile acids and their salts in patients with gallstones from south and north India using High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method. Methods: A standards set of results of primary, secondary and conjugated bile acids were prepared and concentrations were determined by reversed-phase C 18 HPLC column, running acetate buffer and methanol (30:70). The flow rate was fixed as 1 mL/mol and detection was performed at 205 nm. 33 south Indian affected bile acids and 28 north Indian bile acids were taken for the present study. Results: Twenty eight bile samples from patients with gall stones belonging to North India (72% cholesterol, 24% mixed, 4% pigment) and 33 bile samples from south India (53% pigemnt, 45% mixed and 2% cholesterol) were analysed. Among the primary bile acids, the concentration of taurocholic acid was signifiantly high in bile samples from North India. Among the secondary bile acids, the concentration of deoxycholic and taurolithocholic acid from south India and lithocholic acid from north India was significantly high. Conclusions: The type and concentration of bile acids and their salts differs in north and south Indian bile. The authors have none to declare.

Relationship between polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in serum phospholipids, systemic low-grade inflammation, and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

BackgroundThere are inconsistent data about the role of serum phospholipid fatty acid composition in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between serum phospholipid fatty acid composition, systemic low-grade inflammation, and glycemic control in high-risk T2DM patients.MethodsSeventy-four patients (26% women, mean age 65.6 ± 6.8 years) with T2DM (median diabetes duration 10 years) and documented ASCVD (74 with coronary artery disease, 26 with peripheral arterial disease) were enrolled in the study. Baseline HbA1c was estimated using turbidimetric inhibition immunoassay. According to the median value of HbA1c the patients were grouped into those with HbA1c < 7.0% (< 53 mmol/mol) (n = 38) and those with HbA1c ≥ 7.0% (≥ 53 mmol/mol) (n = 36). Serum phospholipid fatty acids were measured with gas chromatography.ResultsPatients with HbA1c ≥ 7.0%, compared with those with HbA1c < 7.0% had similar composition of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in serum phospholipids, but had higher concentrations of linoleic acid (LA) and higher n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratio as well as lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), total n-3 PUFAs, and the EPA/arachidonic acid ratio. We found that LA (r = 0.25; p = 0.03) and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (r = 0.28; p = 0.02) were positively correlated with HbA1c. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, hsCRP and T2DM duration were independent predictors of worse glycemic control in patients with T2DM and ASCVD.ConclusionsThis study showed that glycemic control in high-risk T2DM patients with ASCVD was significantly associated with unfavorable serum phospholipid n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio and greater systemic inflammation.

Adipose tissue fatty acids composition in patients with nephrolithiasis

Adipose tissue fatty acids composition in patients with nephrolithiasis

Long-Term Ursodeoxycholic Acid Therapy Does Not Alter Lithocholic Acid Levels in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis with Associated Liver Disease

To evaluate the fasting and postprandial serum bile acid composition in patients with cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease (CFLD) after chronic administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (20mg/kg/day). The aim was to specifically focus on the extent of biotransformation of UDCA to its hepatotoxic metabolite, lithocholic acid, because of recent concerns regarding the safety of long-term, high-dose UDCA treatment for CFLD. Twenty patients with CFLD (median age 16years, range: 2.4-35.0) prescribed UDCA therapy for at least 2years were studied. Total and individual serum bile acids were measured by stable-isotope dilution mass spectrometry, in fasting and 2-hour postprandial samples taken during chronic UDCA (20mg/kg/day) administration. During chronic UDCA administration (median duration 8years, IQR: 6-16), UDCA became the predominant serum bile acid in all patients (median, IQR: 3.17, 1.25-5.56μmol/L) and chenodeoxycholic acid concentrations were greater than cholic acid (1.86, 1.00-4.70μmol/L vs 0.40, 0.24-2.71μmol/L). The secondary bile acids, deoxycholate and lithocholate, were present in very low concentrations in fasted serum (<0.05μmol/L). After UDCA administration, 2-hour postprandial concentrations of both UDCA and chenodeoxycholic acid significantly increased (P<.01), but no significant changes in serum lithocholic acid concentrations were observed. These data do not support recent suggestions that enhanced biotransformation of UDCA to the hepatotoxic secondary bile acid lithocholic occurs when patients with CFLD are treated with relatively high doses of UDCA.

Meibum Color and Free Fatty Acid Composition in Patients With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

We measured the components of meibum in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and control subjects and then examined the relation between meibum composition and clinical parameters. Thirty-eight patients with MGD (13 men and 25 women; mean age ± SD, 66.9 ± 15.0 years) and 20 control subjects (8 men and 12 women; 64.5 ± 6.7 years) were enrolled. Ocular symptom score, keratoconjunctival staining score, tear film breakup time, and Schirmer's test value were determined. Lid margin abnormalities and meibomian gland morphology were assessed for upper and lower eyelids, and meibum properties were evaluated at temporal, central, and nasal sites of each lid. Free fatty acid (FFA) composition of meibum was analyzed by liquid chromatography-Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Upper meibum color score was significantly correlated with epiphora and sticky sensation in MGD patients. Meibum grade, color, or viscosity did not differ significantly among the sites evaluated. A total of 103 species of FFA--including very long chain (such as C36 and C37) and odd-numbered chain (such as C17, C19, and C21) FFAs--were detected in meibum. Free fatty acid composition differed between clear and colored (cloudy or yellow) meibum, with unsaturated FFAs tending to be more abundant in colored meibum. Free fatty acid composition of human meibum correlates with meibum color as determined with a slit-lamp microscope. This finding may provide insight into the pathogenesis of MGD.

Fatty Acid Composition of Erythrocytes and Blood Plasma in Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome

This paper focused on analysis of fatty acids of erythrocytes and blood plasma in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. For the study, fatty acids ethyl esters, obtained during sample preparation from blood plasma and erythrocytes, were analyzed by capillary gas-liquid chromatography. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test (p<0.05). The conducted research has shown that blood plasma of MODS patients has a decreased relative level of polyunsaturated fatty acids and saturated stearic (C18:0) acid, while there is a significant increase in relative content of monounsaturated fatty acids. In conditions of an increased level of monounsaturated palmitoleic (C16:1) and oleic (C18:1) fatty acids in blood plasma, only the level of palmitoleic (C16:1) acid is increased in erythrocytes. The disorder of lipid composition constancy of erythrocyte membranes is also manifested by a change in the content of saturated palmitic (C16:0) and polyunsaturated linoleic (C18:2) fatty acids. The changes revealed in fatty acid composition of erythrocytes may indicate systemic modifications of cell membranes in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The changes in blood plasma fatty acid composition in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is mainly caused by activation of lipolysis in fat depots.

Characteristics of hepatic fatty acid compositions in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that the quality of fat accumulated in the liver is associated with the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we investigated the fatty acid composition in liver tissue and its association with the pathology in NAFLD patients. One hundred and three patients diagnosed with NAFLD [simple steatosis (SS): 63, NASH: 40] were examined and their hepatic fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography. In addition, relationships between the composition and composition ratios of various fatty acids and patient backgrounds, laboratory test values, histology of the liver, and expression of fat metabolism-related enzymes were investigated. The C16:1n7 content, the C16:1n7/C16:0 and C18:1n9/C18:0 ratios were increased and the C18:0/C16:0 ratio was decreased in the NASH group. The C18:0/C16:0 and C18:1n9/C18:0 ratios were associated with the steatosis score in liver tissue, and the C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio was associated with the lobular inflammation score. The expressions levels of genes: SCD1, ELOVL6, SREBP1c, FAS and PPARγ were enhanced in the NASH group. In multivariate analysis, the C18:0/C16:0 ratio was the most important factor that was correlated with the steatosis score. In contrast, the C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio was correlated with lobular inflammation. The fatty acid composition in liver tissue and expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism were different between the SS and NASH groups, suggesting that the acceleration of fatty acid metabolism is deeply involved in pathogenesis of NASH.

Importance of fatty acid compositions in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

ObjectiveImportance of fatty acid components and imbalances has emerged in coronary heart disease. In this study, we analyzed fatty acids and ankle-brachial index (ABI) in a Japanese cohort.MethodsPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) was diagnosed in 101 patients by ABI ≤0.90 and/or by angiography. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors and components of serum fatty acids were examined in all patients (mean age 73.2±0.9 years; 81 males), and compared with those in 373 age- and sex-matched control subjects with no evidence of PAD.ResultsThe presence of PAD (mean ABI: 0.71±0.02) was independently associated with low levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.85–0.96; P = 0.002), eicosapentaenoic acid∶arachidonic acid (EPA∶AA) ratio (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.17–0.86; P = 0.021), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.96–0.98; P<0.0001), and with a high hemoglobin A1c level (OR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.06–1.69; P = 0.013). Individuals with lower levels of GLA (≤7.95 µg/mL) and a lower EPA∶AA ratio (≤0.55) had the lowest ABI (0.96±0.02, N = 90), while the highest ABI (1.12±0.01, N = 78) was observed in individuals with higher values of both GLA and EPA∶AA ratio (P<0.0001).ConclusionA low level of GLA and a low EPA∶AA ratio are independently associated with the presence of PAD. Specific fatty acid abnormalities and imbalances could lead to new strategies for risk stratification and prevention in PAD patients.

Comparison of plasma and erythrocyte membrane fatty acid compositions in patients with end-stage renal disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to compare the serum lipid profile and fatty acid (FA) compositions of erythrocyte membrane (EM) and plasma in three different patient groups (group 1: type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)+end-stage renal disease (ESRD), group 2: ESRD, group 4: T2DM) and healthy controls (group 3) simultaneously. Methods40 ESRD patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) in Gulhane School of Medicine (20 with T2DM) and 32 controls (17 with T2DM, 15 healthy controls) were included in the study. Plasma and EM FA concentrations were measured by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). ResultsPlasma and EM palmitic acid (PA) and stearic acid (SA) levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients compared to controls (p=0.040 and p=0.002 for plasma, p=0.001 and p=0.010 for EM, respectively). EM docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels were also significantly lower in patients with ESRD+T2DM and ESRD compared to controls (p=0.004 and p=0.037, respectively). ConclusionsPatients with insulin resistance display a pattern of high long chain saturated FAs (PA, SA and arachidic acids). However, while there are no recognized standards for normal EM DHA content, decreased levels of EM DHA in ESRD patient groups (groups 1 and 2) suggest that there may be reduced endogenous synthesis of DHA in HD subjects, due to the decreased functionality of desaturase and elongase enzymes. Because membrane PUFA content affects membrane fluidity and cell signaling, these findings are worthy of further investigation.

Bile acids induce arrhythmias in human atrial myocardium—implications for altered serum bile acid composition in patients with atrial fibrillation

ObjectiveHigh bile acid serum concentrations have been implicated in cardiac disease, particularly in arrhythmias. Most data originate from in vitro studies and animal models. We tested the hypotheses that (1)...

Plasma Fatty Acid Composition in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer: Correlations to Clinical Parameters

Pancreatic cancer (PC) ranks as the fourth cause of cancer-related deaths in the Czech Republic. Evidence exists that deregulation of fatty acid (FA) metabolism is connected with some malignancies; therefore, we decided to analyze FA profile in plasma lipid classes in patients with PC with relation to tumor staging, nutritional status, and survival. The study included 84 patients (47 males, 37 females) with PC and 68 controls (36 males, 32 females). FA patterns were analyzed in plasma lipid classes by gas-chromatography. We observed increased proportion of total monounsaturated FA (MUFA) in PC group in all plasma lipid classes. These changes were connected with increased Δ9-desaturase (SCD1) and Δ5-desaturase indices. Correlations of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DHGLA) with these variables were opposite. Longer survival of patients was connected with higher content of EPA, DHA, and with lower SCD1 index, respectively. Plasma phospholipid proportions of α-linolenic acid, DHGLA, EPA, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids displayed negative trend with tumor staging. Plasma lipid FA pattern in PC patients resulted from decreased dietary fat intake and increased de novo synthesis of FA with transformation into MUFA. Changes in FA profile implicated some pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for disturbed FA metabolism in PC and importance of appropriate nutritional support.

Changes of meibomian fatty acids composition in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction after hydrocortisone treatment

Changes of meibomian fatty acids composition in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction after hydrocortisone treatment

Alterations in Circulating Fatty Acid Composition in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Circulating fatty acids (FAs) may play a role in the disease pathogenesis of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). To compare red blood cell (RBC) and plasma FA composition: (1) between female SLE patients and age-matched healthy female (HF) controls and in SLE with history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and those with no history (SLE+CVD vs SLE-CVD); and (2) between SLE patients who were or were not receiving prednisone treatment at the time of blood sampling. This cross-sectional study consisted of 33 female patients with SLE (11 SLE+CVD, 22 SLE-CVD) and 20 HF controls. Demographics, CVD risk, medication profile, blood biochemistry, and FA composition of RBC and plasma total lipids were determined. Waist circumference and body mass index were higher in SLE patients than in HF controls. These variables along with serum triglycerides, blood glucose, and systolic blood pressure were higher in SLE+CVD than SLE-CVD patients. RBC FA composition showed lower eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, ω-3 active metabolite) and ω-3 index (EPA+ docosahexaenoic acid) in SLE patients compared with HF controls. The ratio of the RBC inflammatory metabolite, arachidonic acid, to the anti-inflammatory metabolite EPA was also significantly higher in SLE patients than in HF controls. No differences were seen in plasma FA between SLE and HF groups. However, SLE-CVD patients had a more favorable lipid profile than SLE+CVD patients. In SLE patients, the use of prednisone resulted in alteration of both RBC and plasma FA composition. SLE patients, regardless of their history of CVD, have altered plasma and RBC FA composition favoring inflammation. The use of prednisone was associated with differences in FA profile.