Fatty Acid Composition In Patients Research Articles

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.

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.

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.

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.

Elevated oleic acid serum concentrations in patients suffering from alcohol dependence.

BackgroundAlcohol-induced damages such as brain atrophy and fatty liver are closely related to a disturbed lipid metabolism. In animal models, a linkage between chronic alcohol consumption and changes in fatty acid (FA) composition in various organs and cells is well known and there is some indication that this phenomenon could be linked to behavioural alterations associated with alcohol addiction such as craving. However, the influence of ethanol on secretory FA has not been investigated so far. In this study, we therefore aimed at investigating whether there is a significant change of serum FA composition in patients suffering from alcohol dependence. We compared patients before and after treatment (detoxication) with control individuals who did not suffer from addiction. The roles of age, the duration and intensity of alcohol use and lifestyles were considered.MethodsSerum FA was measured in 73 male ethanol dependent patients before and after alcohol withdrawal in an in-patient setting. Additionally, of this group, 45 patients were matched with 45 healthy male volunteers as controls.ResultsWe found significant differences in the FA composition before and after detoxication as well as between patients and controls. After detoxication, the values changed towards the ones in healthy controls. The main finding during acute alcohol use was an increased oleic acid concentration above the level of the linoleic acid concentration.ConclusionsAn elevated oleic/linoleic acid ratio seems to be a state marker for acute alcohol use and may be a relevant trait marker during detoxification and possibly the subsequent therapeutic measures. The results of this pilot study need to be replicated in a larger study also including female patients. Further, the specificity of this potential biomarker needs to be determined.

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.

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.

A Meta-Analytic Review of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Compositions in Patients with Depression

On the basis of evidence from studies showing the antidepressant effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the inverse relation between fish consumption and the prevalence of depression, the phospholipid hypothesis seems promising in ascertaining the etiology and treatment of depression. Although several studies have shown lower levels of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in depressive patients, the results of individual polyunsaturated fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and the omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid (AA), were inconsistent. We conducted the meta-analyses of 14 studies comparing the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids between depressive patients and control subjects. The effect size of each study was synthesized by using a random effects model. Compared with control subjects, the levels of EPA, DHA, and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly lower in depressive patients. There was no significant change in AA or total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The results showed lower levels of EPA, DHA, and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in patients with depression, thus implying that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids play a role in the pathogenesis of depression. Our findings provide further support to the phospholipid hypothesis of depression and a rationale for using n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids as an alternative treatment for depression. With these results, future studies examining specific roles of DHA and EPA in different clusters of depressive symptoms are warranted.

Effects of n-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Plasma Phospholipids Fatty Acid Composition in Patients with Obstructive Jaundice- a Pilot Study

Nutritional and immunological status of patients with obstructive jaundice is usually severely altered, with high mortality rates. The n-3 polyunsaturate fatty acids (PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), posess potent immunomodulatory activities. Thus, our aim was to compare the plasma phospholipid fatty acid (FA) composition of these patients with healthy subjects, as well as before and after 7 days preoperative supplementation with high doses of EPA (0.9 g per day) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3, 0.6 g per day). We found impaired FA status in obstructive jaundice patients, especially EPA, DHA and PUFA, but significantly increased content of total n-3 FA, 22:5 n-3 FA and particularly EPA, which increased more than 3 fold, after 7 days supplementation. In addition, the n6/n3 ratio significantly decreased from 14.24 to 10.24, demonstrating severely improved plasma phospholipid profile in these patients after the intervention.

Chronic risperidone treatment preferentially increases rat erythrocyte and prefrontal cortex omega-3 fatty acid composition: Evidence for augmented biosynthesis

Prior clinical studies suggest that chronic treatment with atypical antipsychotic medications increase erythrocyte and postmortem prefrontal cortex (PFC) omega-3 fatty acid composition in patients with schizophrenia (SZ). However, because human tissue phospholipid omega-3 fatty acid composition is potentially influenced by multiple extraneous variables, definitive evaluation of this putative mechanism of action requires an animal model. In the present study, we determined the effects of chronic treatment with the atypical antipsychotic risperidone (RISP, 3.0 mg/kg/d) on erythrocyte and PFC omega-3 fatty acid composition in rats maintained on a diet with or without the dietary omega-3 fatty acid precursor, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3 n-3). Chronic RISP treatment resulted in therapeutically-relevant plasma RISP and 9-OH-RISP concentrations (18 ± 2.6 ng/ml), and significantly increased erythrocyte docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3, + 22%, p = 0.0003) and docosapentaenoic acid (22:5 n-3, + 18%, p = 0.01) composition, and increased PFC DHA composition (+ 7%, p = 0.03) in rats maintained on the ALA+ diet. In contrast, chronic RISP did not alter erythrocyte or PFC omega-3 fatty acid composition in rats maintained on the ALA− diet. Chronic RISP treatment did not alter erythrocyte or PFC arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) composition. These data suggest that chronic RISP treatment significantly augments ALA−DHA biosynthesis, and preferentially increases peripheral and central membrane omega-3 fatty acid composition. Augmented omega-3 fatty acid biosynthesis and membrane composition represents a novel mechanism of action that may contribute in part to the efficacy of RISP in the treatment of SZ.

Endothelial dysfunction and serum fatty acid composition in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between serum fatty acid s composition and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 125 normo- or microalbuminuric type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with serum creatinine <1.5 mg/dL. Serum fatty acids composition (gas chromatography), serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), fibrinogen, serum C-reactive protein, lipids, homeostasis model assessment resistance index (HOMA-R), and 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate were measured. Serum levels of ET-1 were positively correlated with saturated fatty acids ( r = 0.257, P = .025) and negatively correlated with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) ( r = −0.319, P = .005). Serum ET-1 levels were also positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and HOMA-R. In multiple linear regression models, only saturated fatty acids ( R 2 = 0.317, P = .002) or PUFAs ( R 2 = 0.314, P = .001) remained associated with ET-1 levels. Models were adjusted for systolic blood pressure, HOMA-R, waist circumference, triglycerides, body mass index, and smoking habit. The serum total PUFA levels showed an inverse correlation with urinary albumin excretion rate ( r = −0.248, P = .012). In conclusion, in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, the serum fatty acids composition was independently related to endothelial function evaluated by serum ET-1. Saturated fatty acids were associated with endothelial dysfunction (high levels of ET-1), whereas PUFAs had a protective role in endothelial function.

Changes in meibomian fatty acids and clinical signs in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction after minocycline treatment

Aims:To assess the changes in ocular surface abnormalities and meibomian fatty acid composition in patients suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) after treatment with oral minocycline associated with lid hygiene...

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cancer Risk

To the Editor: The systematic review of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cancer risk by Dr MacLean and colleagues concluded that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is unlikely to prevent cancer. We would like to raise some of our concerns about this review. Thirty-eightprospectivestudieswereselectedforreviewbased on prespecified criteria. However, none of these studies measured fatty acid composition in patients. The food frequency questionnaire and dietary records correlate poorly with direct measurements of fatty acids in patient samples and are prone to measurement error. Ultimately, the effect of omega-3 fatty acids depends on levels achieved in individuals. Fish cannot synthesizeomega-3fattyacidsdenovobutrather ingesteicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid present in phytoplanktonandzooplankton. Thus, some fish(especially farm-raised fish)arepoorsourcesofomega-3fattyacids.Wethereforethink that a more accurate conclusion of this study is that a preventive effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cancers is still uncertain. We also disagree with the authors on their assessment that animal studies “do not come close to replicating human exposures.” Animal models, especially those developed recently, can closely mimic the clinical course of cancer progression, and are invaluable tools for mechanistic studies that cannot be performed in humans. Animal diets are designed with varying ratios of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, both of which are essential fatty acids required for mammals to survive. It is the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 that is important for deducing their mechanistic functions, and animal diets have been formulated to reflect human consumption.

Effect of soybean leci-vita product on serum lipids and fatty acid composition in patients with elevated serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels

The study was designed to examine the effects of soybean Leci-Vita, product rich in polyunsaturated phospholipids (with 7% lecithin, 17% soy protein) on serum lipids and serum and erythrocyte phospholipid fatty acid composition in patients with different types of hyperlipidemia. 106 patients with isolated hypertriglyceridemia (IHTG), combined hyperlipidemia (CHL) and isolated hypercholesterolemia (IHCH), aged 40-70 years, were given 20g of Leci-Vita powder as a water suspension in a single evening dose during the follow up period of 24 weeks. Patients kept their individual diet relatively constant. Treatment was associated with significant decrease in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 18% and 35% respectively. LDL-cholesterol decreased 32% and HDL-cholesterol increased 10%. Our study shows a 38% decrease in LDL-cholesterol in CHL, 32% in IHCH and 8% in IHTG and 18% HDL-cholesterol increase in CHL patients. Triglyceride levels decreased in patients with IHTG and CHL 34% and 26% respectively. Our results show increase in PUFA/SFA ratio in serum phospholipids and increased PUFA n-6 in erythrocyte phospholipids that clearly reflects the dietary linoleic acid content in Leci-Vita. Added to a regular diet, soybean Leci-Vita product significantly reduced total and LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. HDL cholesterol was significantly increased and phospholipid fatty acid content was more favourable as a result of 24-week treatment.