Trans Fatty Acids Diet Research Articles

Effects of a High Trans Fatty Acid Diet on Kidney-, Liver-, and Heart-Associated Diseases in a Rabbit Model.

Trans fatty acids are specific unsaturated fats found in processed foods that undergo hydrogenation, leading to hepatic disorders such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and conditions like CVD and CKD. The effects of different food samples containing trans fatty acids (elaidic and oleic acid) on the liver, heart, and kidney through antioxidant enzyme activity were investigated in animal models. Liver function tests (ALT, ALP, AST, and LDH), heart biomarker levels (CPK, TC, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides), and kidney biomarker levels (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and serum uric acid) were examined in serum of rabbits and the histopathology of liver tissues. Results showed that these biomarkers were more elevated in the Mujahid Ghee group than in the normal control, oleic acid, and Kausar Ghee groups. The concentration of antioxidant markers such as peroxidase, glutathione, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and superoxide dismutase were lower in the Mujahid Ghee group. HPLC showed that Mujahid Ghee had the highest quantified value of elaidic acid among all selected samples. Overall, this study demonstrated that elaidic acid in its purest form aggravated MAFLD in rabbit livers and provoked CVK and CVD.

Dietary Fat Composition Affects Hepatic Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in Hepatitis C Virus Core Gene Transgenic Mice

Introduction: Previous research has demonstrated that an isocaloric diet rich in trans-fatty acid (TFA), saturated fatty acid (SFA), and cholesterol (Chol) promoted steatosis-derived hepatic tumorigenesis in hepatitis C virus core gene transgenic (HCVcpTg) mice in different manners. Growth factor signaling and ensuing angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis are key factors in hepatic tumorigenesis that have become recent therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the influence of dietary fat composition on these factors remains unclear. This study investigated whether the type of dietary fat would have a specific impact on hepatic angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis in HCVcpTg mice. Methods: Male HCVcpTg mice were treated with a control diet, an isocaloric diet containing 1.5% cholesterol (Chol diet), or a diet replacing soybean oil with hydrogenated coconut oil (SFA diet) for a period of 15 months or with shortening (TFA diet) for 5 months. The degree of angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis and the expression of growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), were evaluated in non-tumorous liver tissues using quantitative mRNA measurement, immunoblot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Results: Long-term feeding of SFA and TFA diets to HCVcpTg mice increased the expressions of vascular endothelial cell indicators, such as CD31 and TEK receptor tyrosine kinase, in addition to lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1, indicating that angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis were upregulated only by these fatty acid-enriched diets. This promoting effect correlated with elevated VEGF-C and FGF receptor 2 and 3 levels in the liver. c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α, both key regulators of VEGF-C expression, were enhanced in the SFA- and TFA-rich diet groups as well. The Chol diet significantly increased the expressions of such growth factors as FGF2 and PDGF subunit B, without any detectable impact on angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis. Conclusion: This study revealed that diets rich in SFA and TFA, but not Chol, might stimulate hepatic angiogenesis/lymphangiogenesis mainly through the JNK-HIF1α-VEGF-C axis. Our observations indicate the importance of dietary fat species for preventing hepatic tumorigenesis.

Impact of Dietary Fat on the Progression of Liver Fibrosis: Lessons from Animal and Cell Studies.

Previous studies have revealed that a high-fat diet is one of the key contributors to the progression of liver fibrosis, and increasing studies are devoted to analyzing the different influences of diverse fat sources on the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. When we treated three types of isocaloric diets that are rich in cholesterol, saturated fatty acid (SFA) and trans fatty acid (TFA) with hepatitis C virus core gene transgenic mice that spontaneously developed hepatic steatosis without apparent fibrosis, TFA and cholesterol-rich diet, but not SFA-rich diet, displayed distinct hepatic fibrosis. This review summarizes the recent advances in animal and cell studies regarding the effects of these three types of fat on liver fibrogenesis.

Trans-fatty acids alter the gut microbiota in high-fat-diet-induced obese rats.

The gut microbiota is directly influenced by dietary components, and it plays critical roles in chronic diseases. Excessive consumption of trans-fatty acids (TFA) is associated with obesity induced by alterations in gut microbiota, but the links between obesity and gut microbiota remain unclear. Therefore, studies examining the impact of TFA on intestinal microflora are essential. In our study, we performed 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing on faecal samples from Sprague-Dawley rats fed a basal diet (control (CON) group), high-fat (HF) diet (diet-induced obesity (DIO) group) or TFA diets (1 % TFA group and 8 % TFA group) for 8 weeks to investigate the effects of TFA/HF diets on obesity and gut microbiota composition. We found that the TFA/HF diets significantly induced obesity and changes in blood and brain physiological parameters of the rats. The relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes was inversely altered in the three test groups compared with the CON group. Proteobacteria increased slightly in the DIO, 1 % TFA and 8 % TFA groups. The genus Bacteroides increased in the DIO and 1 % TFA groups, but Muribaculaceae decreased in all experimental groups compared with the CON group. Moreover, significant differences were observed among clusters of orthologous group functional categories of the four dietary groups. Our observations suggested that the TFA/HF diets induced obesity and dysfunction of gut microbiota. Gut dysbiosis might mediate the obesity effects of TFA/HF diets.

Effects of Dietary Fiber from Corn Husks on Hyperlipidemia prevention in Trans-fatty Acids fed Mice

To evaluate the effects of dietary fiber from corn husks on hyperlipidemia, the hyperlipidemia model of mice was induced by trans-fatty acids diet,and the mice were randomly divided into the blank control group, the high fat control group(TFA group) and the low, middle and high dose group (2.5,5.0,10.0 G / kg) of dietary fiber from corn husks. Except the blank control group, the mice were fed with high fat diet. The body mass, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein(LDL) and high density lipoprotein(HDL) were measured. The intake of trans-fatty acids resulted in a significant increase in the body weight, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL(P<0.01), HDL level was significantly lower(P<0.01). Corn husks dietary fiber intervention can reduce the body weight of mice, the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL concentration and increase HDL concentration. The difference between the high-dose group and the TFA group was significant(P<0.01), and the intervention effect was best in the group with high dose of corn husks dietary fiber. Corn husks dietary fiber can effectively reduce blood lipid in hyperlipidemia mode mice.

Partially hydrogenated vegetable oil containing 5% trans fats when combined with fructose exacerbates obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that feeding trans fatty acids (TFA) (5%) along with fructose exacerbates obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups, i.e., standard diet, 5% TFA + standard diet, fructose + standard diet, and TFA + fructose + standard diet. All the diets were provided for 16 weeks. The body weight, body mass index, calorie intake, adiposity index, and liver index were determined. Serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and liver enzymes were estimated. Liver lipids, markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen were estimated in the liver. The histopathological evaluation of the adipose tissue and liver were carried out. TFA + standard diet caused an increase in body weight while TFA + fructose + standard diet caused significant body weight gain, adiposity index, and hypertrophy of adipocytes. TFA + fructose + standard diet caused insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in the rats. Rats in the TFA + standard diet group showed marked hepatic steatosis and an elevation in alanine aminotransferase, while those in the TFA + fructose + standard diet group showed oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver. Feeding of TFA at a concentration of 5% along with the standard diet resulted in an increase in the body weight and hepatic steatosis, but the addition of fructose to 5% TFA and standard diet resulted in obesity and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Thus, the reduction in TFA content of foods must be accompanied by a significant decrease in the fructose intake in order to protect against obesity and NAFLD.

A trans-fatty acid-rich diet promotes liver tumorigenesis in HCV core gene transgenic mice.

Excess consumption of trans-fatty acid (TFA), an unsaturated fatty acid containing trans double bonds, is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. However, little is known about the link between TFA and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) despite it being a frequent form of cancer in humans. In this study, the impact of excessive dietary TFA on hepatic tumorigenesis was assessed using hepatitis C virus (HCV) core gene transgenic mice that spontaneously developed HCC. Male transgenic mice were treated for 5 months with either a control diet or an isocaloric TFA-rich diet that replaced the majority of soybean oil with shortening. The prevalence of liver tumors was significantly higher in TFA-rich diet-fed transgenic mice compared with control diet-fed transgenic mice. The TFA-rich diet significantly increased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), leading to high p62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) expression. Furthermore, the TFA diet activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and stimulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, synergistically upregulating cyclin D1 and c-Myc, driving cell proliferation. Excess TFA intake also promoted fibrogenesis and ductular reaction, presumably contributing to accelerated liver tumorigenesis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that a TFA-rich diet promotes hepatic tumorigenesis, mainly due to persistent activation of NF-κB and NRF2-p62/SQSTM1 signaling, ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathways and fibrogenesis. Therefore, HCV-infected patients should avoid a TFA-rich diet to prevent liver tumor development.

Sexual dimorphism in the hepatic protein response to a moderate trans fat diet in senescence-accelerated mice

BackgroundAging is characterized by increases in inflammation and oxidative stress, conditions that are exacerbated by environmental factors such as diet. In this study, we investigated the effects of a trans-fatty acid (TFA) diet on the liver in adult (25 wk) and old (60 wk) senescence-accelerated mice (SAMP8 strain) of both sexes. Our goal was to assess the effects of the diet on protein markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.MethodsMale and female mice were placed on life-long diets containing similar amounts of total fat (17%), with differing amounts of TFA: 2% (moderate TFA group) or 0.2% of total energy from TFA (control diet group). At the indicated ages, livers were harvested and evaluated for markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as for enzymes of fat metabolism via immunoblotting. Relative densities of protein bands were determined and compared via a three-factor ANOVA.ResultsCompared to males, females demonstrated significantly lower inflammatory protein expression (ICAM-1, MCP-1, COX-2), along with lower expression of the DNA damage marker, Gadd153, and the oxidative stress marker, HO-1. Female mice demonstrated higher expression of antioxidant enzymes (SOD-1, SOD-2, and Ref-1) and lipogenic enzymes (FASN, ACLY) compared to male mice. While HO-1 was elevated in the female mice fed the TFA diet compared to controls, the diet did not affect other markers of oxidative stress or inflammation. However, the diet was associated with significant increases in FASN and ACLY in adult (25 wk) male mice.ConclusionsOur results suggest sexually dimorphic protein expression in the liver, with female mice demonstrating lower inflammation and increased oxidative stress defenses. Additionally, considering that FASN and ACLY contribute to hepatic lipogenesis, our results suggest a potential mechanism for the dyslipidemia in adult male mice that is associated with TFA diets.

Effect of a trans fatty acid-enriched diet on mitochondrial, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters in the cortex and hippocampus of Wistar rats.

Previously showed that dietary trans fatty acids (TFAs) may cause systemic inflammation and affect the central nervous system (CNS) in Wistar rats by increased levels of cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum (Longhi et al. Eur J Nutr 56(3):1003-1016, 1). Here, we aimed to clarifying the impact of diets with different TFA concentrations on cerebral tissue, focusing on hippocampus and cortex and behavioral performance. Wistar rats were fed either a normolipidic or a hyperlipidic diet for 90days; diets had the same ingredients except for fat compositions, concentrations, and calories. We used lard in the cis fatty acid (CFA) group and PHSO in the TFA group. The intervention groups were as follows: (1) low lard (LL), (2) high lard (HL), (3) low partially hydrogenated soybean oil (LPHSO), and (4) high partially hydrogenated soybean oil (HPHSO). Mitochondrial parameters, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) levels in brain tissue, and open field task were analyzed. A worse brain tissue response was associated with oxidative stress in cortex and hippocampus as well as impaired inflammatory and mitochondrial parameters at both PHSO concentrations and there were alterations in the behavioral performance. In many analyses, there were no significant differences between the LPHSO and HPHSO diets. Partially hydrogenated soybean oil impaired cortical mitochondrial parameters and altered inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, and the hyperlipidic treatment caused locomotor and exploratory effects, but no differences on weight gain in all treatments. These findings suggest that quality is more important than the quantity of fat consumed in terms of CFA and TFA diets.

Trans-Fatty Acids Aggravate Obesity, Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Steatosis in C57BL/6 Mice, Possibly by Suppressing the IRS1 Dependent Pathway.

Trans-fatty acid consumption has been reported as a risk factor for metabolic disorders and targeted organ damages. Nonetheless, little is known about the roles and mechanisms of trans-fatty acids in obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis. Adult C57BL/6 male mice were fed with four different diets for 20 weeks: normal diet (ND), high fat diet (HFD), low trans-fatty acids diet (LTD) and high trans-fatty acid diet (HTD). The diet-induced metabolic disorders were assessed by evaluating body weight, glucose tolerance test, hepatic steatosis and plasma lipid profiles post 20-week diet. Histological (H&E, Oil-Red-O) staining and western blot analysis were employed to assess liver steatosis and potential signaling pathways. After 20-weeks of diet, the body weights of the four groups were 29.61 ± 1.89 g (ND), 39.04 ± 4.27 g (HFD), 34.09 ± 2.62 g (LTD) and 43.78 ± 4.27 g (HTD) (p < 0.05), respectively. HFD intake significantly impaired glucose tolerance, which was impaired further in the mice consuming the HTD diet. The effect was further exacerbated by HTD diet. Moreover, the HTD group exhibited significantly more severe liver steatosis compared with HFD group possibly through regulating adipose triglyceride lipase. The group consuming the HTD also exhibited significantly reduced levels of IRS1, phosphor-PKC and phosphor-AKT. These results support our hypothesis that consumption of a diet high in trans-fatty acids induces higher rates of obesity, IR and hepatic steatosis in male C57BL/6 mice, possibly by suppressing the IRS1dependent pathway.

Trans fatty acid retention and conversion rates of fatty acids in tissues depend on dietary fat in mice

Given that the effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) may be associated with the type of TFA isomer and the proportion of n‐3/n‐6/n‐9 fatty acids (FA), this work aimed to investigate the influence of different oils on the following parameters: content, incorporation, and retention of TFA; conversion of vaccenic acid (VA) to rumenic acid (RA) in different tissues; and hepatic output of TFA by VLDL. Another objective was to assess relative conversion rates of key FA and the potential alteration of FA composition induced by TFA in tissues. Male CF1 mice were fed (30‐days) diets containing 7% olive, corn or rapeseed oils either supplemented with 0.75% of TFA or without added TFA. FA composition of liver, epididymal adipose tissue, gastrocnemius muscle, brain, and serum was assessed. With the exception of the brain, TFAs were incorporated into the analyzed tissues and serum. TFA retention and RA bioconversion from VA depended on the dietary unsaturated FA proportions. The higher levels of hepatic RA in the liver of mice fed an olive oil+TFA diet could be associated with a raised Δ9‐desaturase index. The FA composition of tissues was scarcely modified by the consumption of partially hydrogenated vegetable oils containing similar proportions of t9‐, t10‐, and t11‐18:1.Practical applications: The present study evaluates the interaction of hydrogenated vegetable oils with different edible oils and the impact on the FA profile and, specifically, TFA incorporation and retention in the tissues. Since the characterization of FA present in tissues might be determining the biological effects of edible fats, this study is relevant for elucidation of existing controversial findings associated with the intake of TFA and its effects on human metabolic alterations.The levels of trans fatty acids (TFA) in a particular tissue might be related to different variables including: type and level of the dietary TFA isomer; uptake, metabolization and release from the tissue, and interference with different dietary fatty acids.

Nutritional and metabolic effects of dietary trans fats depend on the intake of linoleic acid

This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) on the nutritional parameters, serum and tissue triacylglycerol (TAG) levels, as well as the mechanisms involved in their regulation, in male Wistar rats fed linoleic acid‐enriched (+LA) or LA‐deficient (−LA) diets. The TFA effects on nutritional parameters and TAG metabolism differed depending on the dietary LA status. In the +LA + TFA diet, compared to the +LA diet, TFA did not alter the serum TAG levels despite the increased epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and the higher hepatic TAG content associated with a lower CPT‐Ia activity. Otherwise, in –LA + TFA rats versus −LA, TFA increased the serum, liver, and adipose tissue TAG levels associated with higher FAS, G6PDH, and ME enzyme activities in both liver and adipose tissue, and a reduced TAG clearance by the adipose tissue LPL enzyme. Although TFA supplementation in both –LA and +LA‐rats tended to decrease the CPT‐Ib activity, the muscle TAG levels were not modified. We conclude that the nutritional and metabolic TFA effects depended mainly on the changes in the FA profile induced by dietary LA and, in a lesser extent, on the specific type of isomer retained in the tissues.Practical applications: Our approach involved growing animals in healthy physiological conditions with recommended levels of dietary fats, moderate intake of industrial TFA, and an unbalanced dietary LA:ALA ratio. These variables constitute a feasible situation to be observed in the human population. The present study might contribute to the understanding of how nutritional and lipid parameters are affected in the metabolic disorders induced by TFA.TAG regulation by TFA in rats fed LA enriched and deficient diets.

Trans fatty acids exacerbate dextran sodium sulphate-induced colitis by promoting the up-regulation of macrophage-derived proinflammatory cytokines involved in T helper 17 cell polarization

Numerous reports have shown that a diet containing large amounts of trans fatty acids (TFAs) is a major risk factor for metabolic disorders. Although recent studies have shown that TFAs promote intestinal inflammation, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of dietary fat containing TFAs on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. C57 BL/6 mice were fed a diet containing 1·3% TFAs (mainly C16:1, C18:1, C18:2, C20:1, C20:2 and C22:1), and then colitis was induced with 1·5% DSS. Colonic damage was assessed, and the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines and major regulators of T cell differentiation were measured. The TFA diet reduced survival and exacerbated histological damage in mice administered DSS compared with those fed a TFA-free diet. The TFA diet significantly elevated interleukin (IL)-6, IL-12p40, IL-23p19 and retinoic acid-related orphan receptor (ROR)γt mRNA levels in the colons of DSS-treated animals. Moreover, IL-17A mRNA levels were elevated significantly by the TFA diet, with or without DSS treatment. We also examined the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. These cells were exposed to TFAs (linoelaidic acid or elaidic acid) with or without LPS and the mRNA levels of various cytokines were measured. IL-23p19 mRNA levels were increased significantly by TFAs in the absence of LPS. Cytokine expression was also higher in LPS-stimulated cells exposed to TFAs than in unexposed LPS-stimulated cells. Collectively, our results suggest that TFAs exacerbate colonic inflammation by promoting Th17 polarization and by up-regulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the inflamed colonic mucosa.

Abstract 128: Short-Term, High-Saturated and Trans Fatty Acid Diet Increases Expression of Key Intestinal Genes Involved in Lipoprotein Metabolism in Healthy Males

Dietary saturated fat (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA) have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mainly by increasing plasma LDL-C levels. The modulation of cholesterol and fatty acids homeostasis by SFA and TFA is thought to be mediated by changes in expression of key intestinal genes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. However, the short-term impact of dietary fat intake on expression of these genes has not been fully investigated. To test whether short-term changes in SFA and TFA intake affects expression of key intestinal genes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, cross-over study using an intensive dietary modification in 12 nonobese healthy men with normal plasma lipid profile. Participants were subjected to 2 isocaloric 3-day diets: 1) high-fat diet (37% energy from fat, 15% from SFA, 3.5% from TFA and 50% energy from carbohydrate) and 2) low-fat diet (25% energy from fat, 6% from SFA, 0% from TFA and 62% energy from carbohydrate) in random order, each separated by a two-week washout period. Fasting plasma lipid levels were determined and expression of key genes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism was compared by real-time PCR quantification in duodenal biopsy specimens obtained in the fasted state after 3 days of feeding on each diet. Following the 3-day high-fat diet, plasma-C (+7.4%, P=0.02), LDL-C (+16.9%, P=0.005) and HDL-C (+9.3%, P=0.002) levels were significantly increased as compared to low-fat diet. Plasma triglycerides (-31.7%, P=0.001) and apolipoprotein B-48 (-39.6%, P=0.003) levels were significantly decreased after the high-fat diet relative to the low-fat diet. The high-fat diet also resulted in significant increases in intestinal mRNA expression levels of SREBP-2, HNF-4α, PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, NPC1L1, ABCG8, FABP-2, ACAC-α, SCD-1, ELOVL5, DGAT-2, apolipoprotein B, MTTP, SAR1β and LDL receptor. These findings suggest that short-term exposure to a high-SFA and TFA diet upregulates the expression of key genes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism at the enterocyte level.

Sex-dimorphism in Cardiac Nutrigenomics: effect of Trans fat and/or Monosodium Glutamate consumption

BackgroundA paucity of information on biological sex-specific differences in cardiac gene expression in response to diet has prompted this present nutrigenomics investigation.Sexual dimorphism exists in the physiological and transcriptional response to diet, particularly in response to high-fat feeding. Consumption of Trans-fatty acids (TFA) has been linked to substantially increased risk of heart disease, in which sexual dimorphism is apparent, with males suffering a higher disease rate. Impairment of the cardiovascular system has been noted in animals exposed to Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) during the neonatal period, and sexual dimorphism in the growth axis of MSG-treated animals has previously been noted. Processed foods may contain both TFA and MSG.MethodsWe examined physiological differences and changes in gene expression in response to TFA and/or MSG consumption compared to a control diet, in male and female C57BL/6J mice.ResultsHeart and % body weight increases were greater in TFA-fed mice, who also exhibited dyslipidemia (P < 0.05). Hearts from MSG-fed females weighed less than males (P < 0.05). 2-factor ANOVA indicated that the TFA diet induced over twice as many cardiac differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in males compared to females (P < 0.001); and 4 times as many male DEGs were downregulated including Gata4, Mef2d and Srebf2. Enrichment of functional Gene Ontology (GO) categories were related to transcription, phosphorylation and anatomic structure (P < 0.01). A number of genes were upregulated in males and downregulated in females, including pro-apoptotic histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC2). Sexual dimorphism was also observed in cardiac transcription from MSG-fed animals, with both sexes upregulating approximately 100 DEGs exhibiting sex-specific differences in GO categories. A comparison of cardiac gene expression between all diet combinations together identified a subset of 111 DEGs significant only in males, 64 DEGs significant in females only, and 74 transcripts identified as differentially expressed in response to dietary manipulation in both sexes.ConclusionOur model identified major changes in the cardiac transcriptional profile of TFA and/or MSG-fed mice compared to controls, which was reflected by significant differences in the physiological profile within the 4 diet groups. Identification of sexual dimorphism in cardiac transcription may provide the basis for sex-specific medicine in the future.

Effect of trans fatty acid isomers from ruminant sources on risk factors of cardiovascular disease: Study design and rationale

Substantial evidence clearly demonstrates the deleterious effects of industrially-produced trans fatty acids (TFA); however, data are lacking from large, well controlled human feeding studies that directly compare the effects of industrially-produced and naturally-occurring TFA. The purpose of the current study is to determine whether consumption of TFA derived from different sources differentially affect risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study was a randomized, crossover design, controlled-feeding intervention designed to compare the effects of the following diet treatments on risk factors of CVD: low TFA diet (base diet, 34% energy from fat; 0.1% energy from TFA), base diet with vaccenic acid (3.0% energy), base diet with mixed isomers of TFA from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil (3.0% energy), and base diet with cis-9, trans-11 CLA (1.0% energy). The added energy from TFA replaced energy from stearic acid. Participants were required to be between the ages of 25 and 65 years, have a body mass index between 20 and 38 kg/m 2, total cholesterol < 280 mg/dl, fasting triacylglycerol < 300 mg/dl, fasting glucose < 126 mg/dl, and blood pressure < 160/100 mm Hg (controlled with certain medications). Of the 116 participants who were randomized, a total of 95 completed the intervention. Results from this study will be important in determining whether ruminant TFA and industrially produced TFA differentially affect markers of cardiovascular risk, in the context of a highly controlled feeding study.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acid, a natural trans fat from milk and meat, on human blood pressure: results from a randomized crossover feeding study

Cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a natural trans fatty acid that is largely restricted to ruminant fats and consumed in foods and supplements. Its role in blood pressure (BP) regulation is still unclear. We examined the effect of cis-9, trans-11 CLA on BP compared with oleic acid. A total of 61 healthy volunteers were sequentially fed each of 3 diets for 3 weeks, in random order, for a total of 9 weeks. The diets were identical except for 7% of energy (18.9 g in a diet of 10 MJ day(-1)) that was provided either by oleic acid, by industrial trans fatty acids or by cis-9, trans-11 CLA. We measured BP on two separate days at the end of each intervention period. At baseline, mean BP was 113.8±14.4 mm Hg systolic and 66.3±9.6 mm Hg diastolic. The effect of the CLA diet compared with the oleic acid diet was 0.11 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: -1.27, 1.49) systolic and -0.45 mm Hg (-1.63, 0.73) diastolic. After the industrial trans fatty acid diet, the effect was 1.13 mm Hg (-0.25, 2.51) systolic and -0.44 mm Hg (-1.62, 0.73) diastolic compared with the oleic acid diet. Our study suggests that short-term high intakes of cis-9,trans-11 CLA do not affect BP in healthy volunteers.

Effects of Protocatechuic Acid on Trans Fat Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Mice

The effects of protocatechuic acid (PCA) on hepatic activity and/or mRNA expression of lipogenic enzymes and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) in mice fed a trans fatty acid (TFA)-rich diet were examined. PCA at 1, 2, or 4% was provided for 10 weeks. Results showed that TFA diet significantly enhanced hepatic activity and mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, and SREBP-1c (P<0.05); however, the intake of PCA significantly diminished the activity and mRNA expression of these lipogenic factors and decreased hepatic lipid accumulation (P<0.05). TFA diet significantly increased hepatic levels of TFA and pro-inflammatory cytokines (P<0.05). However, PCA intake significantly lowered hepatic content of 18:1 trans and 18:2 trans, as well as reduced the level of test cytokines (P<0.05). These results indicate that PCA is a potent agent for attenuating TFA-induced hepatic steatosis.

Intake of trans Fatty Acids Causes Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Reduces Adipose Tissue Fat Content1–3

We investigated the effects of dietary trans fatty acids, PUFA, and SFA on body and liver fat content, liver histology, and mRNA of enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism. LDL receptor knockout weaning male mice were fed for 16 wk with diets containing 40% energy as either trans fatty acids (TRANS), PUFA, or SFA. Afterwards, subcutaneous and epididymal fat were weighed and histological markers of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were assessed according to the Histological Scoring System for NAFLD. PPARα, PPARγ, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT-1), and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA were measured by quantitative RT-PCR. Food intake was similar in the 3 groups, although mice fed the TRANS diet gained less weight than those receiving the PUFA diet. Compared with the PUFA- and SFA-fed mice, TRANS-fed mice had greater plasma total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations, less epididymal and subcutaneous fat, larger livers with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-like lesions, and greater liver TC and TG concentrations. Macrosteatosis in TRANS-fed mice was associated with a higher homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) index and upregulated mRNA related to hepatic fatty acid synthesis (SREBP-1c and PPARγ) and to downregulated MTP mRNA. Diet consumption did not alter hepatic mRNA related to fatty acid oxidation (PPARα and CPT-1). In conclusion, compared with PUFA- and SFA-fed mice, TRANS-fed mice had less adiposity, impaired glucose tolerance characterized by greater HOMAIR index, and NASH-like lesions due to greater hepatic lipogenesis. These results demonstrate the role of trans fatty acid intake on the development of key features of metabolic syndrome.

N-3 Fatty acids prevent whereas trans-fatty acids induce vascular inflammation and sudden cardiac death

n-3 PUFA have well-recognised cardio-beneficial effects. In contrast, premature coronary deaths are associated with consumption of high levels of trans-fatty acids (TFA). The present study determined the effects of n-3 PUFA and TFA on sudden cardiac death and vascular inflammation. A rat coronary ligation model was used to study the effect of fatty acids on sudden cardiac death, whereas a mouse femoral artery ligation model was used to study compensatory vascular remodelling. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) were utilised for the in vitro studies to investigate expression of inflammatory molecules. Feeding animals an n-3 PUFA-enriched diet caused a sevenfold increase in plasma n-3 PUFA compared with that of the TFA-fed group, whereas a TFA-enriched diet caused a 2.5-fold increase in plasma TFA compared with the n-3 PUFA group. Animals on a TFA diet had a lower survival rate due to sudden cardiac death and exhibited variable degrees of aortic atherosclerotic lesions. Animals on a TFA diet had diminished hindlimb collateral growth, whereas animals on the n-3 PUFA diet exhibited extensive collateral growth about ligated regions. HAEC treated with TFA (trans-18 : 2) showed significantly increased expression of intracellular adhesion molecule-1 and nitrosylation of cellular proteins than those treated with DHA (n-3 PUFA, 22 : 6). The in vivo study demonstrates that, in contrast to TFA, n-3 PUFA improve animal survival after myocardial infarction, prevent development of atherosclerotic lesions and stimulate compensatory vascular remodelling. The in vitro study demonstrates that TFA induce, while n-3 PUFA prevent, vascular inflammation.