Fatty Acid Composition Of Plasma Phospholipids Research Articles

Circulating plasma phospholipid fatty acid levels as a biomarker of habitual dietary fat intake: The INTERMAP/INTERLIPID Study

Accurate assessment of fat intake is essential to examine relationships between diet and disease risk. However, estimating individual intakes of fat quantity by dietary assessment is difficult. We assessed the association of plasma phospholipid fatty acid levels with dietary intake of fatty acids in the INTERMAP/INTERLIPID study, conducted with a standardized protocol. The study participants were 1339 men and women ages 40-59 years from five Japanese populations one from Hawaii; four from Japan. Fatty acid intake was estimated from four standardized 24-hour dietary recalls. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography. We illustrated the relationship between intake and circulating fatty acid levels using Spearman's rank-correlation coefficients, mean, and median values. Spearman's rank-correlation coefficients between intake (g/d) and circulating fatty acid levels (µg/ml) were -0.03 to 0.21 for saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids and -0.04 to 0.32 for trans fatty acids. The coefficients for essential n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were moderate to high, especially for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 0.60; docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 0.41; and EPA+DHA, 0.51. The circulating levels and intake of marine-derived n-3 fatty acids showed a linear association, at least for the intake of EPA+DHA up to 2.1 g/d. We observed high correlation between intake and circulating levels of marine-derived n-3 fatty acids in participants from Japanese and Japanese-American populations with high and low fish intake. Plasma phospholipid marine-derived n-3 fatty acid measurements are a simple and reliable biomarker for assessing dietary intake.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid Increases Plasma ω‐3 Fatty Acids in Hyperlipidemic Children: A Cardioprotective Nutrient?

Background Hyperlipidemic children are at high risk for early coronary heart disease (CHD). Low tissue levels of ω-3 fatty acids are inversely associated with CHD. Previous studies show that high levels of plasma ω-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) from a seafood diet, are associated with an increased likelihood of healthy aging. The Mediterranean diet rich in EPA and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids is also associated with decreased risk of CHD. These long chain fatty acids positively influence vascular function and reduce CHD by altering membrane fluidity, receptor activity, gene expression and eicosanoid synthesis. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Mediterranean diet alone or combined with EPA on the plasma fatty acid profile of hyperlipidemic children. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 6 children (9-16 yrs) with hyperlipidemia. The Mediterranean diet was consumed for 6 wks, followed by the diet combined with EPA supplements (1.2 gms/day) for 6 wks. A Mediterranean diet score was obtained at baseline and after the diet. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition was also determined. Plasma was extracted in chloroform:methanol and thin-layer chromatography was used to separate phospholipid fractions. Fatty acid methyl esters were quantified using gas chromatography and identified with standards and expressed as % of total fatty acids. Results Mean Mediterranean diet scores were significantly increased (Baseline: 5.5 ± 0.5 vs Diet: 8.0 ± 1.3; P <.002) verifying dietary compliance. A significant increase in plasma EPA and DPA and a significant decrease in total ω-6 fatty acids and the Arachidonic Acid/EPA Ratio were observed in hyperlipidemic children following EPA supplementation. Conclusion This is the first study to show that EPA supplementation favorably alters the plasma fatty acid composition in hyperlipidemic children by increasing circulating ω-3 fatty acids, EPA, DPA, but not DHA. Studies suggest that increased plasma EPA and DPA are associated with decreased risk of CHD events and greater likelihood of healthy aging. Therefore, these changes may favorably alter pathophysiological vascular processes in hyperlipidemic children and prevent the development of early CHD.

Influence of fish oil on plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition in lung cancer patients

Rationale: Marine n-3 fatty acids have well-known anti-inflammatory effects, and may be used as a nutritional support for cancer patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of fish oil supplementation on changes in the plasma phospholipid fatty acid (FA) profile of patients with non-small lung cancer receiving primary anti-neoplastic treatment.

A rapid method for the separation of the phospholipids from the neutral lipids in plasma

The blood fraction most commonly used for the assessment of fatty acid status is the plasma or serum phospholipids, since these provide a measure of long term dietary intake. However, conventional assays of fatty acid status in human plasma and serum require labour intensive, multi-step approaches, which are impractical for high-throughput analyses. This study reports a system capable of selectively separating plasma phospholipids from other lipid classes in just a few minutes. We demonstrate that compositional analysis of the fatty acids in plasma phospholipids using our plasma spot method resulted in greater than 97% of neutral lipid standards had been eluted from the paper, whereas more than 96% of the PC remained on the paper. These results were almost identical to conventional methods involving liquid/liquid extraction and thin layer chromatography separation. Evaluation of our plasma spot fractionation and assay using plasma from 110 human subjects (75 males, 35 females), provides confirmation of significant correlations between the fatty acid measures and those obtained from conventional measures for all fatty acids (r > 0.97, P<0.0001), including the omega (n)-6 (r = 0.988, P<0.0001) and n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (r = 0.997, P<0.0001). These results establish our newly developed plasma spot separation technique as a rapid and reliable method for the assessment of plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition.

Effect of long-term strenuous training on the plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition in handball players

Background/Aim. Consensus on the exercise effect on the fatty acid metabolism has not been reached, and probably depends on the type of sports (aerobic, anaerobic or mixed). The aim of this study was to investigate effect of long-term handball training on the body composition, lipid profile and the plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition in female and male younger players. Methods. Seventeen female and 15 male active handball players, aged 16?20 years, who competed at the national/international level, were enrolled in the study. A control group was established from healthy, sedentary individuals (13 females and 19 males, aged 17?21 years), comparable to the athletes in terms of age, sex and body mass index. Results. In both groups of handball players a higher percentage of palmitoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid (18:3, n-3), were found and lower percentage of oleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6, n-3), when compared with corresponding control group. On the other hand, the lower level of stearic acid and estimated activity of plasma elongase was detected in female players than in sedentary women. Furthermore, higher proportion of linoleic acid (18:2, n-6), n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and total PUFA was found only in female players in comparison to the control group. Conclusion. The observed differences between handball players and sedentary individuals showed that handball training influenced lipid and fatty acid metabolism. Follow-up of these changes could indicate potential need for supplementation or nutritional intervention in young handball players.

Effects of EPA and DHA Supplementation on Plasma Specialized Pro-resolving Lipid Mediators and Blood Monocyte Inflammatory Response in Subjects with Chronic Inflammation (OR29-01-19)

ObjectivesThe role of n-3 fatty acid-derived specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), including the novel docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) products, in reducing inflammation in humans has not been determined. We evaluated the differential effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation on plasma SPMs and the resulting impact on the inflammatory response of peripheral blood monocytes. MethodsIn a randomized, controlled, crossover trial, 21 subjects (9 men and 12 women, 50–75 y) with chronic inflammation (C-reactive protein > 2 μg/mL) entered a 4-week lead-in control phase (high oleic sunflower oil, 3 g/d) and then two sequential 10-week supplementation phases with pure EPA or DHA (3 g/d each), separated by a 10-week washout phase. Plasma phospholipid (PL) fatty acid composition and SPMs, including their precursors, were measured at the end of each phase. Following lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation, the inflammatory response of blood monocytes was assessed by inflammatory gene expression. ResultsEPA increased PL EPA (P < 0.001) and plasma concentrations of 18-HEPE, the precursor of the E-series resolvins (RvEs) (P < 0.001). The increase in plasma 18-HEPE concentrations, was associated with the increase in PL EPA (β = 14.9 pg/ml, P < 0.01). However, RvEs were undetectable. EPA increased PL DPA (P < 0.001) but not DPA-derived SPMs. DHA increased PL DHA and plasma concentrations of 17-HDHA and 14-HDHA, the precursors of DHA-derived SPMs (P < 0.001). DHA also significantly increased PL EPA and 18-HEPE (P < 0.001), suggesting some DHA retroconversion to EPA. Interestingly, DHA lowered PL DPA (P < 0.001) but increased the DPA-derived SPMs RvD5n-3 DPA and MaR1n-3 DPA (P < 0.001). In monocytes, while both EPA and DHA lowered the LPS-induced expression of TNFA(P < 0.03 and P < 0.001, respectively), TNFA expression was inversely correlated with plasma concentrations of MaR1n-3 DPA (ρ = –0.32, P < 0.04). ConclusionsRelative to EPA, DHA supplementation increases a broader range of SPMs, with EPA and DHA differentially affecting PL DPA and DPA-derived SPMs. Plasma concentrations of MaR1n-3 DPA following EPA and DHA supplementation are associated with an attenuated inflammatory response in blood monocytes, suggesting a potential role of this SPM in reducing inflammation in humans. Funding SourcesFunded by USDA/NIFA and Cohn Student Award. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪

Association between plasma phospholipid omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and type 2 diabetes is sex dependent: The Hunter Community Study

Chronic inflammation drives the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3PUFA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, c20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, c22:6n-3) may protect against type 2 diabetes development. The aim of this current study is to determine whether LCn-3PUFA status is associated with type 2 diabetes in the Hunter Community Study. Men and women aged 55-85 years were randomly selected from the electoral roll and invited to participate. Participants were included in the current study if they had plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition data available and diabetes status could be determined. LCn-3PUFA status was determined by fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids (EPA+DHA, %,w/w). Diabetes was determined according to World Health Organisation criteria. Insulin was measured in n=251 participants and HOMA-IR calculated. In total, n=2092 (diabetes: n=249) participants were included. After adjusting for confounders of diabetes, LCn-3PUFA status was inversely associated with diabetes in overweight/obese females (OR [95%CI]: 0.90 [0.80, 1.00], p=0.045) but not males (p-interactionsex=0.041). Overweight/obese females with diabetes had significantly lower levels of DHA than those without diabetes (mean difference [95%CI]:-0.53 [-0.87,-0.20], p=0.002), with no difference in EPA. LCn-3PUFA was inversely associated with HOMA-IR (r=-0.175, p=0.005). This study provides further evidence of a sex-dependent association between LCn-3PUFA and type 2 diabetes. Causal pathways between LCn-3PUFA and type 2 diabetes merits delineation.

Correction to: Different effects of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) supplementation on plasma and red blood cell phospholipid fatty acid composition and calcium oxalate kidney stone risk factors in healthy subjects from two race groups with different risk profiles pose questions about the GLA-arachidonic acid-oxaluria metabolic pathway: pilot study.

The authors would like to add the following paragraph in the acknowledgement section of the original version of the paper.

Effect of α-linolenic acid on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure in untreated high-normal and stage I hypertensive subjects.

Results of intervention studies on the effects of α-linolenic acid (ALA; C18 : 3n-3) on blood pressure (BP) are conflicting. Discrepancies between studies may be due to differences in study population, as subjects with increased baseline BP levels may be more responsive. Therefore, we examined specifically the effects of ALA on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in (pre-)hypertensive subjects. In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled parallel study, fifty-nine overweight and obese adults (forty males and nineteen females) with (pre-)hypertension (mean age of 60 (sd 8) years) received daily 10 g refined cold-pressed flaxseed oil, providing 4·7 g (approximately 2 % of energy) ALA (n 29) or 10 g of high-oleic sunflower oil as control (n 30) for 12 weeks. Compliance was excellent as indicated by vial count and plasma phospholipid fatty-acid composition. Compared with control, the changes of -1·4 mmHg in mean arterial pressure (MAP; 24 h ABP) after flaxseed oil intake (95 % CI -4·8, 2·0 mmHg, P=0·40) of -1·5 mmHg in systolic BP (95 % CI -6·0, 3·0 mmHg, P=0·51) and of -1·4 mmHg in diastolic BP (95 % CI -4·2, 1·4 mmHg, P=0·31) were not statistically significant. Also, no effects were found for office BP and for MAP, systolic BP, and diastolic BP when daytime and night-time BP were analysed separately and for night-time dipping. In conclusion, high intake of ALA, about 3-5 times recommended daily intakes, for 12 weeks does not significantly affect BP in subjects with (pre-)hypertension.

Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation and inflammatory parameters in fishermen on diet rich in Northern Adriatic seafood

Aim: We evaluate the potential relationships between sea food dietary consumption and plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition, lipid profile, lipid oxidation and inflammatory parameters in a group of fishermen living in Chioggia, in the Northern Adriatic.

Different effects of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) supplementation on plasma and red blood cell phospholipid fatty acid composition and calcium oxalate kidney stone risk factors in healthy subjects from two race groups with different risk profiles pose questions about the GLA-arachidonic acid-oxaluria metabolic pathway: pilot study.

Fatty acid (FA) composition of phospholipids in plasma and red blood cells (RBC) can influence calciuria, oxaluria and renal stone formation. In this regard, the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA) and its precursor linoleic acid (LA) appears to be important. Administration of γ-linolenic acid (GLA) has been shown to increase the concentration of dihomo-gamma linoleic acid (DGLA) relative to AA indicating that it may attenuate biosynthesis of the latter. Such effects have not been investigated in race groups having difference stone occurrence rates. Black (B) and white (W) healthy males ingested capsules containing linoleic acid (LA) and GLA, for 30days. Plasma and RBC total phospholipid (TPL) FA profiles, serum and 24h urine biomarkers of hypercalciuria and urinary stone risk factors were determined on days 0 and 30. Data were tested for statistical significance using GraphPadInstat version 3.02. Concentration and percentage content of DGLA in plasma TPL increased in W but not in B. Arachidonic acid (AA) did not change in either group. There was no change in calcium excretion in either group but oxalate and citrate excretion increased in W. We suggest that elongation of GLA to DGLA may occur more rapidly than desaturation of DGLA to AA in W and that depressed activity of the enzyme elongase may occur in B. Calciuric and citraturic effects may be dependent on the quantity of LA or on the mass ratio of LA/GLA in the FA supplement. Questions about the mooted DGLA-AA-oxaluria pathway arise. We speculate that there exists a potential for using GLA as a conservative treatment for hypocitraturia. The observation of different responses in B and W indicates that such differences may play a role in stone formation and prevention.

Effects of Aronia melanocarpa juice on plasma and liver phospholipid fatty acid composition in Wistar rats

Abstract A nutritional placebo-controlled study was performed in Wistar rats in order to investigate the effects of 5-weeks aronia juice consumption towards fatty acid (FA) composition of phospholipids in the plasma and liver, as well as plasma glucose (Glu) and cholesterol levels. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 8 animals each, and randomized to receive either the full polyphenol dose of Aronia melanocarpa juice (AMJ), 4 times less polyphenol dose (¼-AMJ) or polyphenol-lacking placebo beverage (PLB). Each group of 8 male adult Wistar rats received the liquid ad libitum. AMJ decreased the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P &lt; 0.05) vs. PLB. AMJ increased dihomo-γ-linoleic acid (DGLA, 20:3n-6) (P &lt; 0.05) and decreased arachidonic acid content (AA, 20:4n-6) (P &lt; 0.05) vs. PLB in liver phospholipids. AMJ significantly increased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) levels both in the liver (P &lt; 0.05) and plasma (P &lt; 0.05). Both aronia juice doses elevated the levels of beneficial n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the plasma and liver. There was a dose-dependent, significant increase (P &lt; 0.001) in cis-vaccenic acid (VA, 18:1n-7) in phospholipids in the plasma and liver. Our results indicate favorable effects of aronia juice intake on lipid parameters in Wistar rats. These findings suggest the potential of aronia dietary intake in cardiometabolic diseases primary prevention strategies in the human population.

Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids affect the blood pressure control in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension – a 1-year follow-up study

Marine long-chained n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are recognized for their cardio-protective effects, including potential lowering of blood pressure. We hypothesized that higher habitual fish intake and n-3 PUFA plasma levels were associated with lower blood pressure and being less likely to receive antihypertensive medication after one-year follow-up. In this prospective study of 115 patients, we assessed 24 h ambulatory and central blood pressure, plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition using gas chromatography and participants completed a food frequency questionnaire, including fish-eating habits. All measurements were repeated at one-year follow-up. At baseline, patients consuming fish ≥2 times per month for dinner had significantly higher plasma levels of total marine n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid as well as significantly lower central blood pressure and a trend towards lower peripheral blood pressure. At follow-up, 21 patients (18%) without antihypertensive medication had significantly higher plasma levels of n-3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid as well as a higher, but still acceptable 24 h ambulatory blood pressure (137/85 mmHg) compared to subjects receiving antihypertensive medication. The untreated group was more prone to take fish oil capsules and increased their plasma levels of n-3 PUFA compared to baseline. In patients with newly diagnosed, untreated hypertension, regular fish consumption was accompanied by lower blood pressure. After one year, patients without antihypertensive medication were characterized by a significant increase and higher plasma levels of n-3 PUFA. This supports a blood pressure-lowering effect and suggests an increase in marine n-3 PUFA intake as part of non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension.

Curcumin and Boswellia serrata Modulate the Glyco-Oxidative Status and Lipo-Oxidation in Master Athletes

Background: Chronic intensive exercise is associated with a greater induction of oxidative stress and with an excess of endogenous advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Curcumin can reduce the accumulation of AGEs in vitro and in animal models. We examined whether supplementation with curcumin and Boswellia serrata (BSE) gum resin for 3 months could affect plasma levels of markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and glycation in healthy master cyclists. Methods. Forty-seven healthy male athletes were randomly assigned to Group 1, consisting of 22 subjects given a Mediterranean diet (MD) alone (MD group), and Group 2 consisted of 25 subjects given a MD plus curcumin and BSE (curcumin/BSE group). Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP), total AGE, soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE), malondialdehyde (MDA), plasma phospholipid fatty acid (PPFA) composition, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were tested at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: sRAGE, NEFA, and MDA decreased significantly in both groups, while only the curcumin/BSE group showed a significant decline in total AGE. Only the changes in total AGE and MDA differed significantly between the curcumin/BSE and MD groups. Conclusions. Our data suggest a positive effect of supplementation with curcumin and BSE on glycoxidation and lipid peroxidation in chronically exercising master athletes.

Lipophilic index, kidney function, and kidney function decline

Background and aimsUnhealthy dietary fats are associated with faster kidney function decline. The cell membrane composition of phospholipid fatty acids (FAs) is a determinant of membrane fluidity and rheological properties. These properties, which have been linked to kidney damage, are thought to be reflected by the lipophilic index (LI). We prospectively investigated the associations of LI with kidney function and its decline. Methods and resultsObservational study from the Prospective Investigation of Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors including 975 men and women with plasma phospholipid FAs composition and cystatin-C estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Of these, 780 attended re-examination after 5 years, and eGFR changes were assessed. Participants with a 5-year eGFR reduction ≥30% were considered chronic kidney disease (CKD) progressors (n = 198). LI was calculated as the sum of the products of the FA proportions with the respective FAs melting points. Blood rheology/viscosity measurements were performed in a random subsample of 559 subjects at baseline. Increased LI showed a statistically significant but overall weak association with blood, plasma viscosity (both Spearman rho = 0.16, p < 0.01), and erythrocyte deformability (rho = −0.09, p < 0.05). In cross-sectional analyses, LI associated with lower eGFR (regression coefficient 3.00 ml/min/1.73 m2 1-standard deviation (SD) increment in LI, 95% CI: −4.31, −1.69, p < 0.001). In longitudinal analyses, LI associated with a faster eGFR decline (−2.13 [95% CI −3.58, −0.69] ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.01) and with 32% increased odds of CKD progression (adjusted OR 1.32 [95%, CI 1.05–1.65]). ConclusionsA high LI was associated with lower kidney function, kidney function decline, and CKD progression.

Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition and desaturase activity in women with gestational diabetes mellitus before and after delivery

Analyze plasma phospholipid fatty acids (PPFA) composition and desaturase activity in women with gestational diabetes (GDM) and in women with a normal glucose tolerance (NGT) before and after delivery, and to evaluate the possible relationship between desaturase activity and inflammatory parameters. PPFA composition was analyzed by gas chromatography in 21 women with GDM and from 21 with NGT, during the third trimester of pregnancy and 6months after delivery. We used fatty acid product-to-precursor ratios to estimate desaturase activity, and we also measured in all women interleukins six and ten, tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive protein. No significant differences were observed between NGT and GDM women in terms of PPFA composition, both in pregnancy and after pregnancy. Estimated desaturase Δ9-18 activity was significantly higher, and estimated desaturase Δ5 activity was significantly lower during pregnancy in all women. We observed no correlations between inflammatory markers and desaturases activity, during or after pregnancy, in both groups. Our data suggest that GDM does not influence PPFA composition and desaturase activity during pregnancy. In addition, late pregnancy characterized by hyperinsulinemia appears to upregulate desaturase Δ9-18 activity in NGT and GDM women.

Abstract P012: Associations Between Plasma Phospholipid and Cholesterol Ester Fatty Acids and Reproducibility During 10-year Follow-up of Elderly Individuals: A Population Based Study

Background: Fatty acid (FA) composition in different blood compartments is used as biomarkers of dietary fat quality, but it is unclear how FA compositions differ between compartments and which biomarker is most appropriate for epidemiological studies. Furthermore, as most cohorts use single FA measurements to reflect long-term intake, reproducibility data of plasma FAs are clearly warranted. Objective: To investigate inter-correlations of FA compositions in plasma phospholipids (PP) and cholesterol esters (CE), and to evaluate 10-y reproducibility of FA composition in plasma CE. Methods: Baseline FA composition of PP and CE was assessed in a population-based cohort of 70-year-old Swedes (n=940), and in a subsample (n=539), FA was additionally measured in CE during follow-up at ages 75 and 80 y. FA in PP and CE was measured by gas chromatography. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated between proportions of individual FA measured in plasma PP and CE collected at age 70 y. Plasma CE compositions at ages 70, 75, and 80 y were utilized to assess 10-year reproducibility by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) in one-way random-effect models. Results: Strong correlations between PP and CC were observed for most FA, with the only exceptions palmitic acid and stearic acid (Table). Fair to good reproducibility was observed for most FA, and was greatest for palmitoleic acid (ICC [95% CI] = 0.72 [0.69-0.76]) and all n-6 polyunsaturated FA (ICC=0.64-0.68). Poor reproducibility was only observed for α-linoleic acid, pentadecanoic acid, and stearic acid, with ICC (95% CI) 0.19 (0.14-0.25), 0.22 (0.17-0.28), and 0.23 (0.18-0.29), respectively. Conclusions: Overall, FA levels measured in plasma PP and CE correlates strongly, suggesting that FA composition in these compartments generally can be used interchangeably as biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Overall good reproducibility of FA levels in CE indicates that single a measurement can reliably estimate average levels over a 10-y period.

Plasma phospholipid arachidonic acid and lignoceric acid are associated with the risk of cardioembolic stroke

Cardioembolic (CE) stroke is the most severe subtype of ischemic stroke with high recurrence and mortality. However, there is still little information on the association of plasma fatty acid (FA) with CE stroke. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis whether the composition of plasma phospholipid FA is associated with the risk of CE stroke. The study subjects were collected from the Korea University Stroke Registry. Twenty-one subjects were selected as CE stroke group, and 39 age- and sex-matched subjects with non-CE stroke were selected as controls. Sociodemographic factors, clinical measurements, and plasma phospholipid FA compositions were compared between the groups. Logistic regression was used to obtain estimates of the associations between the relevant FAs and CE stroke. The result showed that the CE stroke group had higher levels of free FA and lower levels of triglycerides before and after adjustment (all P < .05). In the regression analysis, elaidic acid (18:1Tn9) and arachidonic acid (20:4n6) were positively related, but lignoceric acid (24:0) was negatively related to CE stroke in all constructed models (all P < .05). In conclusion, plasma phospholipid FA composition was associated with CE stroke risk in Korean population, with higher proportions of elaidic acid and arachidonic acid and lower proportion of lignoceric acid in CE stroke.

Gemfibrozil disrupts the metabolism of circulating lipids in bobwhite quails

The circulating lipids of birds play essential roles for egg production and as an energy source for flight and thermogenesis. How lipid-lowering pharmaceuticals geared to prevent heart disease in humans and that are routinely released in the environment affect their metabolism is unknown. This study assesses the impact of the popular drug gemfibrozil (GEM) on the plasma phospholipids (PL), neutral lipids (NL), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) of bobwhite quails (Colinus virginianus). Results show that bird lipoproteins are rapidly altered by GEM, even at environmentally-relevant doses. After 4days of exposure, pharmacological amounts cause an 83% increase in circulating PL levels, a major decrease in average lipoprotein size measured as a 56% drop in the NL/PL ratio, and important changes in the fatty acid composition of PL and NEFA (increases in fatty acid unsaturation). The levels of PL carrying all individual fatty acids except arachidonate are strongly stimulated. The large decrease in bird lipoprotein size may reflect the effects seen in humans: lowering of LDL that can cause atherosclerosis and stimulation of HDL that promote cholesterol disposal. Lower (environmental) doses of GEM cause a reduction of %palmitate in all the plasma lipid fractions of quails, but particularly in the core triacylglycerol of lipoproteins (NL). No changes in mRNA levels of bird peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) could be demonstrated. The disrupting effects of GEM on circulating lipids reported here suggest that the pervasive presence of this drug in the environment could jeopardize reproduction and migratory behaviours in wild birds.

Plasma levels of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and renal allograft survival.

Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may exert beneficial effects on inflammation, fibrosis, endothelial function, lipid profile and blood pressure that may prevent graft loss. In this observational cohort study in Norwegian renal transplant recipients (n = 1990), transplanted between 1999 and 2011, associations between plasma marine n-3 PUFA levels and graft loss were assessed by multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography and individual fatty acids recorded as weight percentage (wt%) of total fatty acids in a stable phase 10 weeks after transplantation. During a median follow-up time of 6.8 years, 569 (28.6%) renal allografts were lost, either due to patient death (n = 340, 59.8% of graft loss) or graft loss in surviving patients (n = 229, 40.2%). Plasma marine n-3 PUFA levels ranged from 1.35 to 23.87 wt%, with a median level of 7.95 wt% (interquartile range 6.20-10.03 wt%). When adjusting for established graft loss risk factors, there was a 11% reduced risk of graft loss for every 1.0 wt% increase in marine n-3 PUFA level [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-0.93], and a 10% reduced risk of graft loss in surviving patients (adjusted HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.84-0.97). High levels of plasma marine n-3 PUFAs were associated with better renal allograft survival.