Enzyme stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Research Articles

In vivo MRS assessment of altered fatty acyl unsaturation in liver tumor formation of a TGFα/c-myc transgenic mouse model

Current detection methods (computed tomography, ultrasound, and MRI) for hepatocarcinogenesis in humans rely on visual confirmation of neoplastic formations. A more effective early detection method is needed. Using in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we show that alterations in the integral ratios of the bis-allyl to vinyl hydrogen protons in unsaturated lipid fatty acyl groups correlate with the development of neoplastic formations in vivo in a TGFalpha/c-myc mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model. HPLC analysis of the TGFalpha/c-myc mice liver tissue revealed a significant increase in the amount of oleic acid, along with alterations in linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids, as compared with control CD1 mice. Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analysis indicated a significant increase in the abundance of specific glycerol phosphatidylcholine (GPCho) lipids containing palmitic and oleic acids between control CD1 and TGFalpha/c-myc mice liver tissue extracts. Western blot analysis of the mice liver tissue indicates alterations in the desaturase enzyme stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD)1, responsible for palmitic and oleic acid formation. Microarray analysis detected alterations in several genes involved with fatty acid metabolism, particularly SCD2, in transgenic mouse liver tissue. In correlation with the HPLC, mass spectrometry, Western blot, and microarray analyses, we are able to confirm the ability of in vivo MRS to detect precancerous lesions in the mouse liver before visual neoplastic formations were detectable by MRI.

The influence of diets supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid, selenium, and vitamin E, with or without animal protein, on the composition of pork from female pigs1

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary manipulations on the fatty acid composition, Se content, and vitamin E content of pork. Sixty Duroc-cross gilts were randomly allocated at weaning to 1 of 4 dietary treatment groups (n = 15 per group). The 4 experimental diets were based on animal plus plant components or plant components only, with or without the inclusion of a dietary supplement (0.614%) containing CLA, Se, and vitamin E. The growth performance to approximately 100 kg of BW was similar with diets containing animal plus plant components or only plant components. Growth was also similar when either of these diets included the supplement. Inclusion of the supplement led to expected increases in Se and vitamin E contents (P < 0.001) of the LM. The differences found in the fatty acid profile of the lipid in LM, loin subcutaneous fat, and the belly cut (pork belly) between the groups with and without animal components in their diets largely reflected differences in the diet composition. Inclusion of the supplement led to greater CLA contents in all 3 tissues (P < 0.001), and also to lower contents of oleic acid (P < 0.001) and greater contents of stearic acid (P < 0.05), possibly due to an inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturase enzyme. The supplement also led to an increase in LM intramuscular fat (P < 0.05), but did not affect P2 fat depths (65 mm lateral to the midline of the spine at the last rib; mean depth of 11.8 mm). It is concluded that changing from a part animal component diet to an all plant diet will not change the growth performance of pigs but changes in the fatty acid profile of pork are likely to occur. It is further concluded that the nutritional value of pork may be successfully enhanced by simultaneously supplementing the diet with CLA, selenium, and vitamin E.

Lipogenesis and stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene expression and enzyme activity in adipose tissue of short- and long-fed Angus and Wagyu steers fed corn- or hay-based diets

Angus and Wagyu steers consuming high-roughage diets exhibit large differences in adipose tissue fatty acid composition, but there are no differences in terminal measures of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity or gene expression. Also, adipose tissue lipids of cattle fed corn-based diets have greater MUFA:SFA ratios than cattle fed hay-based diets. We hypothesized that any changes in SCD gene expression and activity would precede similar changes in adipose tissue lipogenesis between short- and long-fed endpoints. Furthermore, changes in SCD activity and gene expression between production endpoints would differ between corn- and hay-fed steers and between Wagyu and Angus steers. Angus (n = 8) and Wagyu (n = 8) steers were fed a corn-based diet for 8 mo (short-fed; 16 mo of age) or 16 mo (long-fed; 24 mo of age), whereas another group of Angus (n = 8) and Wagyu (n = 8) steers was fed a hay-based diet for 12 mo (short-fed; 20 mo of age) or 20 mo (long-fed; 28 mo of age) to match the end point BW of the corn-fed steers. Acetate incorporation into lipids in vitro was greater (P < 0.01) in corn-fed steers than in hay-fed steers and tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in Wagyu than in Angus s.c. adipose tissue because the rate in Wagyu was twice that of Angus adipose tissue in the corn-fed, short-fed steers. There were diet x end point interactions for lipogenesis in i.m. and s.c. adipose tissues (both P < 0.01) because lipogenesis was 60 to 90% lower in the long-fed cattle than in short-fed cattle fed the corn-based diet. The greatest SCD enzyme activity in Angus s.c. adipose tissue was observed at 24 mo of age (corn-based diet), but activity in Wagyu adipose tissue was greatest at 28 mo of age (hay-based diet; breed x diet x end point interaction, P = 0.08). For short- vs. long-fed endpoints in Angus, s.c. adipose tissue SCD activity was less (hay diet) or the same (corn diet). Conversely, SCD gene expression was greatest in long-fed Wagyu steers fed the hay- or corn-based diets (breed x end point interaction; P < 0.01). Contrary to our hypotheses, SCD activity increased over time, whereas lipogenesis from acetate decreased. However, the developmental pattern of SCD gene expression and activity differed markedly between hay-fed Angus and Wagyu adipose tissues, which may explain the differences in the MUFA:SFA ratios observed in adipose tissues from these cattle.

Partial genetic characterization of Stearoyl Coa-Desaturase’s structural region in Bubalus bubalis

Conjugated Linoleic Acids (CLAs) comprise a family of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid. The main form of CLA, cis-9, trans-11-C18:2 show positive effects in cancer prevention and treatment. The major dietary sources of these fatty acids are derived from ruminant animals, in particular dairy products. In these animals, the endogenous synthesis mainly occurs in mammary gland by the action of enzyme Stearoyl CoA Desaturase (SCD). Different levels of expression and activity of SCD in mammary gland can explain partially the variation of CLA levels in fat milk. Considering a great fat concentration in bubaline milk and the benefit of a high and positive correlation between fat milk and CLA production, this study was carried on with the intention of sequencing and characterizing part of the gene that codifies SCD in buffaloes. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples of lactating bubaline which begins to the breed Murrah. After the (acho que nao precisa desse the) extractions, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) reactions were made by using primers Z ▸◂ D1 and E1 ó ▸◂ F1. The fragments obtained in PCR were cloned into “T” vectors and transformed in competent cells DH10B line. After this, three samples of each fragment were sequenced from 5′ and 3′ extremities using a BigDye kit in an automatic sequencer. Sequences were edited in a consensus of each fragment and were submitted to BLAST-n / NCBI for similarity comparisions among other species. The sequence obtained with Z ▸◂ D1 primers shows 938 bp enclosing exons 1 and 2 and intron 1. The primers E1 ▸◂ F1 show 70 bp corresponding to exon 3 of bubaline SCD gene. Similarities were obtained between 85% and 97% among bubaline sequences and sequences of SCD gene described in human, mouse, rat, swine, bovine, caprine and ovine species. This study has permitted the identification and partial characterization of SCD codifing region in Bubalus bubalis specie.

Dietary stearate and oleate in the development of hepatic steatosis and obesity

Fatty liver disease or hepatic steatosis, marked by increased accumulation of triglycerides in the liver, is brought on by chronic over-nutrition and increases the risk for secondary conditions such as insulin resistance. Mice with a targeted mutation in the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), which catalyzes the conversion of stearic acid into oleic acid, are lean and protected from diet-induced obesity as well as insulin resistance. This leads us to hypothesize that oleate, the monounsaturated fatty acid product of SCD1, plays a direct role in the development of diet-induced hepatic steatosis. 8-week old male wild-type (WT) and SCD1−/ − mice were fed 20% high-fat diets containing either tristearin or triolein for 7 days. Triolein feeding resulted in significantly greater body weight and adipose tissue gains, as well as greater hepatic triglyceride and cholesteryl ester accumulation in WT and SCD1−/ − mice. Expression of lipogenic genes and the transcription factors SREBP-1c and PGC-1β, as measured by real-time PCR, were increased by triolein feeding in both WT and SCD1−/ − animals. Conversely, activity of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)- α1 was significantly higher in livers of SCD1−/ − mice after tristearin feeding but was unchanged in WT animals. Taken together, these results suggest that triolein feeding increases lipogenesis in WT and SCD1−/ − animals and downregulates lipid oxidation in SCD1−/ − animals. These data help clarify the roles of specific fatty acids in the modulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. This work has been supported by NIH Grant NIDDK-R0162388 (JMN) and American Heart Association Predoctoral fellowship 0415001Z (HS).

The fate and intermediary metabolism of stearic acid

Coming from the Greek for "hard fat," stearic acid represents one of the most abundant FA in the Western diet. Otherwise known as n-octadecanoic acid (18:0), stearate is either obtained in the diet or synthesized by the elongation of palmitate, the principal product of the FA synthase system in animal cells. Stearic acid has been shown to be a very poor substrate for TG synthesis, even as compared with other saturated fats such as myristate and palmitate, and in human studies stearic acid has been shown to generate a lower lipemic response than medium-chain saturated FA. Although it has been proposed that this may be due to less efficient absorption of stearic acid in the gut, such findings have not been consistent. Along with palmitate, stearate is the major substrate for the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase, which catalyzes the conversion of stearate to oleate, the preferred substrate for the synthesis of TG and other complex lipids. In mice, targeted disruption of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) gene results in the generation of a lean mouse that is resistant to diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance. SCD1 also has been shown to be a key target of the anorexigenic hormone leptin, thus underscoring the importance of this enzyme, and consequently the cellular stearate-to-oleate ratio, in lipid metabolism and potentially in the treatment of obesity and related disorders.

Characterization of human SCD2, an oligomeric desaturase with improved stability and enzyme activity by cross-linking in intact cells

SCD (stearoyl-CoA desaturase) catalyses the conversion of saturated fatty acids into mono-unsaturated fatty acids, a critical step involved in lipid metabolism and various other biological functions. In the present study, we report the identification and characterization of a human gene that encodes a novel SCD enzyme (hSCD2). The hSCD2 gene codes for a 37.5-kDa protein that shares 61% and 57% sequence identity with the human SCD1 and mouse SCD2 enzymes respectively. The recombinant hSCD2 enzyme expressed in mammalian and Sf9 insect cells efficiently catalysed desaturation of both stearoyl- and palmitoyl-CoAs to the corresponding mono-unsaturated fatty acids. In comparison with the hSCD1 gene that is predominantly expressed in liver, hSCD2 is most abundantly expressed in pancreas and brain. Additionally, hSCD2 transcripts from adult and foetal tissues exhibit different sizes because of alternative splicing in the non-coding region, suggesting that hSCD2 expression is developmentally regulated. The recombinant human SCD2 and SCD1 transiently expressed in COS-7 cells exhibited as oligomeric proteins that consist of homodimers and oligomers when resolved by SDS/PAGE. The complex formation was independent of SCD protein expression levels, as supported by a relatively constant ratio of the level of dimers and oligomers to that of the monomers from COS-7 cells transiently transfected with different amounts of SCD expression vectors. Furthermore, treatment of intact COS-7 cells with a cross-linking reagent resulted in dose-dependent increases in the levels of SCD protein and activity, suggesting that oligomerization may play an important role in regulating the stability of SCD enzymes.

Fatty acid indices of stearoyl-CoA desaturase do not reflect actual stearoyl-CoA desaturase enzyme activities in adipose tissues of beef steers finished with corn-, flaxseed-, or sorghum-based diets1

We hypothesized that stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) enzyme activity would not correlate with fatty acid indices of SCD activity in steers fed different grains. Forty-five Angus steers (358 +/- 26 kg BW) were individually fed for 107 d diets differing in whole cottonseed (WCS) supplementation (0, 5, or 15% of DM) and grain source (rolled corn, flaxseed plus rolled corn, or ground sorghum grain) in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement. Flaxseed- and corn-fed steers had greater (P < 0.01) G:F (0.119 and 0.108, respectively) than sorghum-fed steers (0.093). Marbling score was decreased by WCS (P = 0.04), and LM area was decreased (P < 0.01) by sorghum. Plasma 14:0, 16:0, 16:1n-7, and 18:2n-6 were greatest in corn-fed steers, whereas plasma 18:3n-3 and 20:5n-3 were greatest in the flax-seed-fed steers (P < 0.01). Plasma 18:1trans-11 was least in sorghum-fed steers, and plasma cis-9,trans-11 CLA was barely detectable, in spite of high intestinal mucosal SCD enzyme activity (118 to 141 nmol*g tissue(-1).7 min(-1)). Interfascicular (i.f.) and s.c. cis-9,trans-11 CLA remained unchanged (P > or = 0.25) by treatment, although 18:1trans-11 was increased (P < or = 0.02) in steers fed corn or flaxseed. Steers fed flaxseed also had greater (P < 0.01) i.f. and s.c. concentrations of 18:3n-3 than steers fed the other grain sources. Oleic acid (18:1n-9) was least and total SFA were greatest (P < 0.01) in i.f. adipose tissue of steers fed 15% WCS. Lipogenesis from acetate in s.c. adipose tissue was greater (P < 0.01) in flaxseed-fed steers than in the corn- or sorghum-fed steers. Steers fed flaxseed or corn had larger i.f. mean adipocyte volumes (P < 0.01) than those fed sorghum and tended (P = 0.07) to have larger s.c. adipocyte volumes. Several fatty acid indices of SCD enzyme activity were decreased (P < or = 0.03) by WCS in i.f. adipose tissue, including the 18:2cis-9,trans-11/ 18:1trans-11 ratio. The 18:2cis-9,trans-11/18:1trans-11 ratio also tended to be decreased (P = 0.09) in s.c. adipose tissue by flaxseed; however, SCD enzyme activities in i.f. and s.c. adipose tissue were not affected by dietary WCS (P > or = 0.47) or grain source (P > or = 0.37). Differences in SFA seemed to be independent of SCD enzyme activity in both adipose tissues, suggesting that duodenal concentrations of fatty acids were more important in determining tissue fatty acid concentrations than endogenous desaturation by SCD.

Developmental Relationship of Unsaturated Fatty Acid Composition and Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase mRNA Level in Hanwoo Steers` Muscle

This study was conducted to investigate the developmental relationship between fatty acid composition in different lipid fractions and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene expression in steer muscles during growth. Twenty Hanwoo steers were used at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 months of age. Fatty acid composition and SCD mRNA level were analyzed. In the total lipid fraction, developmental profiles of C18:1, as the product of SCD enzyme, and SCD mRNA level were significantly increased between 6 months and 12 months of age. During this period, the percentage of C18:1 increased from 31.9% to 49.5% in the total lipid. The increased C18:1 level was maintained until 30 months of age within the range of 44.8- 49.9%. In contrast, the C18:0 composition decreased with age and this decrease was compensated by the increase of the C18:1. However, the sum of C18:0 and C18:1 was changed before and after 12- month old by a 20% increase. Unlike the C18 fatty acids, the C16 fatty acids such as C16:0 and C16:1 did not show a consistent change with age in steers' muscle. On the other hand, C18:2 proportion as a major polyunsaturated fatty acid in muscle was significantly reduced from 21.1% at 6 months of age to 4.4% at 12-months old and then this reduced level was maintained until 30 months within the range of 7.4-11.4%. As in the C18:1 composition during early stages, a 2-fold significant increase was observed in the ∆ 9 -desaturase index of C18 fatty acid as a measure of SCD activity , but not in that of C16 fatty acid. Also, the steady-state level of SCD mRNA reached a peak at 12 months of age. Thus, the positive relationship between the C18:1 composition and the ∆ 9 -desaturase (SCD enzyme) index of C18 fatty acid or SCD mRNA level was demonstrated during growth, but the negative relationship between the C18:2 composition and the above three indices was demonstrated at the same time, indicating that the sharp induction of SCD mRNA may be closely related to the dramatic reduction of C18:2, which is known as a suppressor of SCD gene expression during growth. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 4 : 562-566)

Inclusion of fresh forage in the ration for dairy cows: effects on CLA and trans C18:1 isomers content of milk fat

RiassuntoInclusione di foraggio fresco in razioni miscelate per vacche da latte: effetto sul contenuto di CLA e di isomeri trans C18:1 nel grasso del latte. In un disegno sperimentale a quadrato latino 2X2, sei vacche pluripare di razza Frisona Italiana al sesto mese di lattazione sono state alimentate con una dieta basata su foraggio fresco e un’integrazione di farina di mais (dieta F) oppure con una dieta basata su fieno di erba medica e insilato di mais, integrati con farina di mais, farina di estrazione di soia e semi interi di soia estrusi (dieta S). La dieta S ha consentito di ottenere livelli medio-alti di acido linoleico, CLA, acido vaccenico e acido oleico (rispettivamente 3,31, 0,91, 1,77, 16,54 g/100 g lipidi totali). La dieta F, invece, non ha dato i risultati attesi. I contenuti di CLA, di acido vaccenico e di acido linolenico, infatti, sono risultati bassi (rispettivamente 0,24, 0,64 e 1,06 g/100 g lipidi totali).

Hot Topic: Using a Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Transgene to Alter Milk Fatty Acid Composition

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase enzyme converts specific medium- and long-chain saturated fatty acids to their monounsaturated form. Transgenic goats expressing a bovine β-lactoglobulin promoter-rat stearoyl-CoA desaturase cDNA construct in mammary gland epithelial cells were produced by pronuclear microinjection. The fatty acid composition of milk from 4 female transgenic founders was analyzed on d 7, 14, and 30 of their first lactation. In 2 animals, the expression of the transgene changed the overall fatty acid composition of the resulting milk fat to a less saturated and more monounsaturated fatty acid profile at d 7 of lactation; however, this effect diminished by d 30. In addition, one animal had an increased proportion of the rumen-derived monounsaturated fatty acid C18:1 trans11 converted by stearoyl-CoA desaturase to the conjugated linoleic acid isomer C18:2 cis9 trans11. Milk that has higher proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid may have benefits for human cardiovascular health.

한우 간 및 등심 조직에서 불포화지방산의 조성비율과 Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase mRNA의 발현 양상

쇠고기내의 oleic acid(18:1)의 힘량은 고기의 향미와 다즙성에 영향올 미치며, 그 함량이 높으면 혈중 콜레스테롤을 낮출 수 있는 요인이 된다. 본 연구는 한우의 간 조직과 등심 조직에서 불포화지방산의 조성과 불포화지방산 합성효소의 mRNA 발현량의 차이를 비교분석하여 그 상호 관련성에 대해 조사하였다. 단일불포화지방산인 palmitoleic acid(16:1)와 oleic acid (18:1)의 조성은 등심 조직에서 총 지방산의 51%를 차지하고 있었으나, 지방대사가 활발한 간 조직에서는 22%에 지나지 않았다. 반면에 포화지방산인 palmitic acid(16:0) 와 stearic acid (18:0)의 조성비는 등심 조직과 간 조직에서 각각 37%와 58%'를 차지하였다. 이같이 단일불포화지방산의 조성은 조직간 현격한 차이가 나타나며, 조직내 stearoyl-CoA desaturase(SCD) 활성을 나타내는 포화지방산에 대한 불포화지방산의 비율인 불포화도(the desaturation index)를 살펴보면 등심 조직은 간 조직보다 약 3.6배 높았다. SCD는 palmitic acid(16:0) 와 stearic acid(18:0)를 기질로 하여 palmitoleic acid(16:1)와 oleic acid (18:1)로 전환하는 중요한 효소이다. 등심 조직과 간 조직에서 단일 불포화지방산의 조성비 차이가 SCD mRNA 의 발현량과 어떤 관련성을 가지는지를 RT PCR 법을 이용하여 분석되었다. 그 결과, SCD mRNA는 등심 조직에서 간 조직보다 약 3배 많이 발현되었다. 이상과 같이 한우 등섬 조직과 간 조직에서 단일불포화지방산의 조성의 현격한 치아는 SCD 활성지표인 지방산의 불포화도(3.6배 차이)와 SCD mRNA 발현량(3배 차이)과 상호 밀접한 관련성으로 해석할 수 있었다. The Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase(SCD) is a key enzyme, which converting palmitic acid(16:0) and stearic acid (18:0) to pahnitoleic acid(16:1) and oleic acid(l8:1), respectively. The concentration of oleic acid(18:1) in meat of beef cattle could influence both palatability and perception of meat. This experiment has conducted to determine relationship between the compositions of monounsaturated fatty acids and the SCD mRNA level in bovine liver and loin muscle tissue. The compositions of palmitoleic acid(16:1) and oleic acid(18:1) in loin muscle were 5% and 46% of total lipid and in liver were 2% and 20% of total lipid, respectively. On the other hand, the compositions of palmitic acid(16:0) and stearic acid(18:0) in loin muscle were 25% and 45% of total lipid and in liver were 14% and 43% of total lipid, respectively. The ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fatty acids(the desaturation index) was used as a measure of SCD activity in tissues. The average desaturation index in loin muscle was higher about 3.6-fold than that in liver. The desaturation index of oleate/stearate and palmitoleatelpalmitate in loin muscle were higher 8-fold and 1.8-fold than those in liver, respectively, showing that the substrate specificity of SCD enzyme was very different between liver and muscle tissues. To determine whether the composition of monounsaturated fatty acids in liver and muscle are dependent on SCD expression, SCD mRNA level was examined by RT-PCR analysis. The SCD mRNA level in loin muscle was higher about 3-fold than that in liver. Thus, the quantitative relationship between the desaturation index of fatty acid and SCD mRNA was observed in liver and muscle. The difference in the compositions of monounsaturated fatty acids between bovine liver and muscle tissues may be due to different level of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase mRNA.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase, a short-lived protein of endoplasmic reticulum with multiple control mechanisms

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is a short-lived, polytopic membrane-bound non-heme iron enzyme localized primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum. SCD is required for the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids, and plays a key role in hepatic synthesis of triglycerides and very-low-density lipoproteins. The intracellular concentration of SCD fluctuates in a wide range in response to complex and often competing hormonal and dietary factors. A combination of transcriptional regulation and rapid protein degradation produces transient elevations of SCD enzyme activity in response to physiologic demands. Dysregulation of SCD has been implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and obesity.

Effects of sterculic acid on stearoyl-CoA desaturase in differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes

The effects of sterculic acid on cell size, adiposity, and fatty acid composition of differentiating 3T3-L1 adipocytes are correlated with stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) expression (mRNA and protein levels) and enzyme activity. Fluorescence-activated cell scanning (FACS) analysis showed that adipocytes differentiated with methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone, and insulin (MDI) plus 100 μM sterculic acid comprised a population of predominantly large cells with reduced adiposity compared to MDI-treated cells. Although both groups had similar amounts of total fat, their fatty acid profiles were strikingly different: MDI-treated cells had high levels of the unsaturated palmitoleic (Δ 9-16:1) and oleic (Δ 9-18:1) acids, whereas the cells cultured with MDI plus sterculic acid accumulated palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) acids together with a marked reduction in Δ 9-16:1. Although the cells treated with MDI plus sterculic acid had similar levels of scd1 and scd2 mRNAs and antibody-detectable SCD protein as the MDI-treated cells, the SCD enzyme activity was inhibited more than 90%. The accumulation of 16:0 and 18:0, together with normal levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and aP2 mRNAs, shows that de novo synthesis and elongation of fatty acids, as well as cell differentiation, were not affected by sterculic acid. Because of the increase in cell size in the sterculic acid-treated cells, the insulin-stimulated 2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake was determined. Compared to MDI-treated cells, the 2-DOG uptake in the cells treated with sterculic acid was not affected. These results indicate that sterculic acid directly inhibits SCD activity, possibly by a turnover-dependent reaction, without affecting the processes required for adipocyte differentiation, scd gene expression or SCD protein translation.

Regulation of Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase Activity by the trans-10,cis-12 Isomer of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in HepG2 Cells

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the cellular synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids mainly oleate (C18:1) and palmitoleate (C16:1) which are the major monounsaturated fatty acids of membrane phospholipids, cholesterol esters, waxes, and triglycerides. Several SCD isoforms exist in the mouse whereas the human has one well-characterized SCD gene. The trans-10,cis-12 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid has been previously shown to repress the expression of the mouse SCD1 gene isomer by decreasing SCD gene expression as well as by direct inhibition of SCD enzyme activity. We studied the regulation of human stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) expression by conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in cultured human hepatoblastoma cell line, HepG2. Treatment of the cells with the trans-10,cis-12 CLA isomer did not cause changes in the SCD gene transcription, mRNA and protein levels. However, this isomer decreased both the SCD activity as well as the levels of monounsaturated fatty acids. The other major CLA isomer, cis-9,trans-11 CLA, had no effect on SCD gene expression and activity. These results suggest that in HepG2 cells the trans-10,cis-12 CLA isomer regulates human SCD activity mainly by a posttranslational mechanism.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Decreases Hepatic Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase mRNA Expression

Conjugated dienoic derivatives of linoleic acid (CLA) is a collective term for positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid that occur naturally in foods. The two predominant isomers of CLA are the c9,t11 and t10,c12. One of the effects of CLA is to modify membrane fatty acid composition by decreasing the activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase enzyme activity. We analyzed the changes of stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene 1 (scd1) mRNA to further define the mechanism for the decrease in Scd enzyme activity by CLA. Mice fed for two weeks with either a fat-free high carbohydrate diet (CHO) or a 5.0% corn oil diet (CO), supplemented with 0.5% CLA had a 45% and 75% decrease respectively, in scd1 mRNA levels in the liver. Consistent with the effects observed in mice, 150μM CLA suppressed the expression of scd1 mRNA in the H2.35 mouse liver cells by 60%. Further studies with enzymatically prepared c9,t11 isomer showed that the inhibitory effect of CLA on scd1 mRNA expression in H2.35 liver cells was by isomers other than the c9,t11-CLA.

Examination of the fatty acid composition and lipogenic enzymes of perirenal adipose tissue in growing lambs

Lamb consumption fell from 11.1 to 7.5 kg / year / person between 1960 and 1990 and in recent years has fallen even further (5.9kg / year / person in 1994, source MLC). There are a number of possible reasons for this, but the high saturated fat content of lamb is likely to be a major contributer. Health considerations have led to repeated calls to reduce saturated fat intake (Dept of Health, 1994). Lamb has particularly suffered because it has a higher content of the saturated fatty acid stearic acid (C18:0) than other red meats. This has a high melting point and gives cold lamb its unpopular texture. The majority of lipid in lamb comes from de-novo synthesis of the saturated fatty acid palmitate (C16:0) from acetate in the adipose tissue by the enzymes acetyl co-A carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase (FAS). Palmitate can be elongated to stearate (C18:0) and this can be desaturated to the potentially healthier monounsaturated fatty acid oleate (C18:l), by the enzyme stearoyl co-A desaturase (SCD). The aim of this work has been to examine the fatty acid profile of lamb during growth and the enzymes involved in fat deposition.