Early effects of EFA deficiency on the structure and enzymatic activity of rat liver microsomes

Cloning, functional characterization and nutritional regulation of Δ6 fatty acyl desaturase in the herbivorous euryhaline teleost Scatophagus argus

Marine fish are generally unable or have low ability for the biosynthesis of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) from C18 PUFA precursors, with some notable exceptions including the herbivorous marine teleost Siganus canaliculatus in which such a capability was recently demonstrated. To determine whether this is a unique feature of S. canaliculatus or whether it is common to the herbivorous marine teleosts, LC-PUFA biosynthetic pathways were investigated in the herbivorous euryhaline Scatophagus argus. A putative desaturase gene was cloned and functionally characterized, and tissue expression and nutritional regulation were investigated. The full-length cDNA was 1972 bp, containing a 1338 bp open-reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 445 amino acids, which possessed all the characteristic features of fatty acyl desaturase (Fad). Functional characterization by heterologous expression in yeast showed the protein product of the cDNA efficiently converted 18:3n-3 and 18:2n-6 to 18:4n-3 and 18:3n-6, respectively, indicating Δ6 desaturation activity. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that highest Δ6 fad mRNA expression was detected in liver followed by brain, with lower expression in other tissues including intestine, eye, muscle, adipose, heart kidney and gill, and lowest expression in stomach and spleen. The expression of Δ6 fad was significantly affected by dietary lipid and, especially, fatty acid composition, with highest expression of mRNA in liver of fish fed a diet with a ratio of 18:3n-3/18:2n-6 of 1.72:1. The results indicated that S. argus may have a different LC-PUFA biosynthetic system from S. canaliculatus despite possessing similar habitats and feeding habits suggesting that LC-PUFA biosynthesis may not be common to all marine herbivorous teleosts.

The restoring effect of trifluralin and benznidazole on the abnormal fatty-acid pattern induced by Trypanosoma cruzi in the liver microsomes of infected mice

The fatty-acid composition of liver lipids from mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (clone H510C8C3) or uninfected mice was investigated. The infected animals were treated orally for 30 days, with trifluralin (TFL) or benznidazole (BNZ), each at 100mg/kg.day, or only with the peanut oil used as the drug vehicle. The uninfected mice were also given the peanut oil. The treatments were stopped 10 days before the animals were killed. The liver microsomal lipids of each mouse were isolated and then analysed by gas-liquid chromatography. In terms of the total lipids, untreated infection evoked a significant increase in saturated fatty acids and the members of the n-9 fatty-acid family, with a concomitant decrease in the polyenoates of the n-3 and n-6 fatty-acid series. Each lipid subclass was affected to a different extent, the phospholipids being affected most. All lipid fractions, apart from the cholesterol esters, showed a significant increase in the proportion of n-9 isomers. Infection also produced a marked increase in the absolute amounts of triacylglycerides, cholesterol and cholesterol esters in liver microsomal membranes. After BNZ or TFL treatment, the fatty-acid pattern of mice that had been infected was indistinguishable from that of the control mice. The possible role of desaturase activity in the alterations observed is discussed.

Effect of sucrose addition to drinking water, that induces hypertension in the rats, on liver microsomal Delta9 and Delta5-desaturase activities

This study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the effect of sucrose addition to the drinking water of rats who were fed with the same diet as a control group, on Delta9- and Delta5-desaturase activities and on the fatty acid composition of serum and liver microsomes. Weanling male Wistar rats had 30% sucrose in their drinking water for 20 weeks. An increase in total calories consumed, visceral fat accumulation, insulin, triglycerides and blood pressure and a decrease in the food intake were observed in the sucrose-fed group as compared with the control group. A decrease in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid (essential fatty acids) in all serum lipid fractions of sucrose-fed rats was found. This observation correlated with a low food intake by sucrose-fed rats. The conversion of [1 (14)C]-palmitic to [1 (14)C]-palmitoleic acid by Delta9-desaturase activity was increased in sucrose-fed compared with control rats, while the conversion of [1 (14)C]-dihomo-gamma-linolenic acids by Delta5-desaturase activity was depressed. In sucrose-fed as compared to control rats, the proportion of palmitoleic and oleic fatty acids was increased. Arachidonic acid was decreased in sucrose-fed rats. The 1,6-diphenylhexatriene fluorescence polarization of the microsomal membranes was significantly lower in the sucrose-fed group compared to the control group. These results indicate that the sucrose addition to the drinking water of the rats increased microsomal Delta9-desaturase activity and membrane disorder and decreased the activity of the Delta5-desaturase, a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of arachidonic acid, implicated in hypertension.

Hepatic microsomal membrane lipidic composition and growth hormone effect in adult male rat: evidence for a 'feminization' process of total phospholipid fatty acid pattern

Growth hormone (GH) effects on fatty acid composition and on delta5-, delta6-, delta9-desaturase and palmitic acid elongation activities were studied in male rat hepatic microsomes. Sham-operated and hypophysectomized animals were injected with two different dosages of GH, mimicking either the male or female GH secretion pattern. Half the hypophysectomized animals received thyroxine and cortisol in concentrations chosen to compensate for the lack of thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids. GH, administered to sham-operated or to cortisol/thyroxine-treated hypophysectomized rats resulted in an increase in stearic and arachidonic acid proportions, while palmitic acid percentage was decreased. Total monounsaturated fatty acids were dramatically reduced by this treatment. DeltaA-desaturase and palmitic acid elongation activities were increased by GH treatment, while delta9-desaturase activity was decreased. These GH effects on desaturation and elongation activities could explain the modifications in microsomal fatty acid composition. Hypophysectomy markedly altered the fatty acid composition by reducing arachidonic and stearic acid proportions and increasing the linoleic acid proportion, while delta9-, delta5-desaturase and palmitic acid elongation activities were decreased. Restoration of most of the fatty acid proportions to control values was realized in hypophysectomized animals with a cortisol/thyroxine replacement administered alone or together with the low dosage of GH mimicking the male secretion pattern. High GH dosage produces essentially a 'feminization' process of the fatty acid composition of the hepatic microsomal membrane in male rats when compared to that of females.

Molecular species of phosphoglycerides in liver microsomes of rats fed a fat-free diet

The influence of a fat-free diet on the molecular species composition of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and phosphatidylinositol (PI) of rat liver microsomes was studied by using reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. In the three phosphoglyceride classes analyzed, the fat-free diet produced a large decrease in the 18:0/20:4n-6 species but less important changes were found in the 16:0/20:4n-6 species. In PC, the most abundant phosphoglyceride class of rat liver microsomes, the fall in the 18:0/20:4n-6 species was counterbalanced mainly by an enhancement in the 16:0/18:1n-9 species although it was not evident in PE. In PI, the decrease in the 18:0/20:4n-6 species was counterbalanced by an increase in the 18:0/20:3n-9 species. Fluorescence polarization measurements of 1,7-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in liposomes of 16:0/18:1n-9, 18:0/18:1n-9-, 16:0/20:4n-6-, and 18:0/20:4n-6-PC indicated that the change in the saturated fatty acid in the sn-1 position accompanying the replacement of 20:4n-6 by 18:1n-9 could be very important for a homeoviscous compensation, maintaining the membrane physical properties without large alterations in spite of the essential fatty acid deficiency due to the fat-free diet.

Effect of polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency on dipole relaxation in the membrane interface of rat liver microsomes

The influence of a fat-free diet on the lipid dynamics of rat liver microsomes and liposomes of microsomal lipids was studied by using different fluorescence methods. Lifetime distribution and rotational diffusion of probes with different localization in the lipid bilayer were measured using multifrequency fluorometry. Lateral mobility was studied by measuring excimer formation of pyrenedodecanoic acid. Dipolar relaxation in the interfacial region was studied using 2-dimethyl-amino-6-lauroylnaphthalene (Laurdan). In spite of large changes in the fatty acid composition of microsomal lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency showed no effect on the lifetime distribution and rotational mobility of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH). l-(4-(trimethylamino)phenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH), 2- 7- and 12-(9-anthroiloxy)stearic acids. The treatment did not change the lateral diffusion of pyrenedodecanoic acid, either. However, generalized polarization of Laurdan fluorescence was higher in polyunsaturated fatty acid deficient microsomes as compared to the polyunsaturated fatty acid sufficient ones. This effect was also observed in liposomes of the total microsomal lipids, indicating that the changes in fatty acid composition resulting from polyunsaturated fatty acid deficiency produced a small but significant decrease in the rate of dipolar relaxation in the region of the lipid polar groups of the bilayer. The absence of lipid gel phase domains in rat liver microsomes was also indicated by Laurdan fluorescence features.

Cadmium suppresses delta 9 desaturase activity in rat hepatocytes

The effects of cadmium (Cd) on the fatty acid composition and delta 9 desaturation activity were studied in hepatocytes which had been cultured in serum-free medium. The aim of this study was to determine whether the inhibition of delta 9 desaturase seen in Cd-treated rat liver (Kudo et al. (1991) Toxicology, 68, 133-142) is the direct effect of Cd or not. When hepatocytes were cultured in serum-free medium, increases in the proportions of monounsaturated fatty acids such as oleic acid (18:1) were observed in the phospholipid (PL) and triacylglycerol (TG) fractions of hepatocytes, suggesting that delta 9 desaturase was induced. By contrast, essential fatty acids such as linoleic acid (18:2) and arachidonic acid (20:4) decreased. These changes were similar to those seen in the livers of essential fatty acid (EFA)-deficient rats. When hepatocytes were cultured in the presence of CdCl2, the changes in the fatty acid composition were suppressed. The effect of CdCl2 was concentration-dependent. The rate of the conversion of 18:0 to 18:1, which is catalyzed by delta 9 desaturase, was reduced by treatment with Cd, whereas the rate of conversion of 18:2 to 20:4, which is catalyzed by delta 6 desaturase, was slightly increased. Cd did not inhibit liver microsomal delta 9 desaturase activity in vitro. We concluded that Cd suppressed the induction of delta 9 desaturase in cultured hepatocytes. These phenomena can explain the selective inhibition of delta 9 desaturase in the livers of Cd-treated rats.

Fatty acid composition in liver, serum and brain of rat inhalated with trichloroethylene

Temporal variations in chronic effects of inhalated 300 ppm trichloroethylene (TCE) on the fatty acid composition in rats were investigated to clarify influences of TCE on the fatty acid metabolism of serum, liver and brain, including synaptosome, myelin and mitochondria fractions on weeks 0, 4, 8, 12 after exposure and on week 4 after rehabilitation started following 12 weeks exposure. On week 4, rats exposed to TCE had significantly lighter body weight, lighter epididymal fat pads weight and heavier liver weight compared with controls. In liver and serum, increases in 16:0, 18:0, 18:1n-9, 20:2n-6, 20:3n-6 and 20:4n-6 and decreases in 18:2n-6, 18:3n-6, 18:3n-3, 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 were also observed. The differences between the exposure and the control groups in the fatty acid composition in liver and serum, except for 18:1n-9 and 18:2n-6, did not enhance from week 4 after TCE exposure. In brain, significant changes of fatty acid composition caused by TCE appeared as decreases in 18:2n-6 and 22:5n-3, and increases in 20:4n-6 and 22:4n-6 during the whole exposure period. Changes of fatty acid composition in brain occurred in the same manner as in serum and liver phospholipids, except that 18:1n-9 was elevated in mitochondria. Changes in brain were slighter and appeared later than those in liver and serum. TCE had a strong effect on the fatty acid composition of mitochondria in neural cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lipid chain order and dynamics at different bilayer depths in liposomes of several phosphatidylcholines studied by differential polarized phase fluorescence

The influence of acyl chain length, double bond number and position on the structural and dynamic properties of phosphatidylcholine bilayers in the liquid crystalline state was studied. The range and rate of the rotation of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and a set of n-(9-anthroyloxy)stearates(n = 2, 7 and 12), which are located at different depths in the lipid bilayers, were measured using differential polarized phase fluorometry in multilamellar liposomes of several unsaturated synthetic phosphatidylcholines. For the anthroyloxy-stearate probes, two rotational modes, 'in' and 'out' of the plane of the anthroyl aromatic ring, were partially resolved by measuring at different excitation wavelengths. The data obtained here indicate that in lecithins containing the same acyl chain in sn-1 and sn-2, the introduction of double bonds towards the deep interior of the lipid bilayer decreases the order in the external region of the bilayer and the viscous resistance to the rotation of all the probes tested. On the contrary, double bonds located towards the external region of the bilayer increase order and viscous resistance to the rotation of probes located in the external region. Increasing acyl chain length has different effects depending on the probe and on the rotational mode considered. Measurements in mixed chain lecithins indicate that the influence of increasing unsaturation in sn-2 has different consequences depending on the acyl group that is present in sn-1. Similarly, increasing acyl chain length in sn-1 influences differently the bilayer properties depending on the fatty acid that is present in sn-2.

A possible mechanism by which dietary fat can alter tumorigenesis: lipid modulation of macrophages function

It has been known for at least 20 years that fatty acids can alter immune functions in vitro. More recently we have begun to understand the role that dietary fats play in immunity [formula: see text] and specifically how they may alter macrophage function. In the future it will be important not simply to redefine that fatty acids can alter select macrophage functions but to understand the mechanisms by which that occurs. Whether the same or different mechanisms are operational for those functions that are altered by dietary fat remains to be determined. Nevertheless, tumoricidal responses can be modified depending on the fatty acids in the diet. Hopefully, these recent observations will expand our understanding of how lipids regulate macrophage tumoricidal function and thus, might lead to new insights of how dietary fat may be manipulated to affect breast tumor regression.

Effect of dietary nucleotides on the fatty acid composition of rat liver microsomes

The present study was designed to evaluate the influence of dietary nucleotides on the lipid composition of liver microsomes in weanling rats. Rats at weaning were fed, one group with a semipurified nucleotide-free diet and three groups with the same diet supplemented with three different levels of each of the nucleotides AMP, GMP, IMP, UMP and CMP, during 4 weeks. Long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n-6 and n-3 series were increased in phospholipids of liver microsomes for rats fed the nucleotide supplemented diets; however, the cholesterol/phospholipid phosphorus ratio was maintained fairly constant. The results obtained suggest that dietary nucleotides modify the polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism through a lower rat liver delta-9 desaturase activity and through increased activities of delta-5 and delta-4 desaturases.

Effect of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids on hepatic microsomal lipid metabolism: a time course study

The present study examines the time dependent effects of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on liver microsomal lipid metabolism in FVB mice fed a diet supplemented with a mixture of free fatty acids (mainly 18:3n-6 and 20:5n-3) at 25 mg/g diet. Significant changes in the fatty acid composition of total liver and microsomal lipids were observed after 7 days on the diets. Thereafter, some animals remained on the same diet while others were fed a diet supplemented with hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO). With the exception of 20:5n-3 which showed a slower recovery, establishment of the HCO pattern was rapid indicating that the diet-induced changes could be easily reversed. The unsaturation index, the cholesterol/phospholipid ratio and the microviscosity of the microsomal membranes were not affected by these dietary manipulations. Unsaturated fatty acid supplementation reduced the activity of delta 9 desaturase by 50%. Feeding the HCO diet to mice previously fed the EPA/GLA diet led to a progressive increase in delta 9 desaturase activity, reaching 80% of the day zero values after 14 days. The monoene content of hepatic total lipids reflected, in most cases, the changes in enzyme activity. This study shows that a low dose of a n-3 and n-6 free fatty acid mixture increases the quantities of members of the n-3 family, without loss of n-6 fatty acids in microsomal membranes and modifies the activity of delta 9 desaturase without altering the microsome physicochemical parameters.

Desaturation of linoleic acid in the small bowel is increased by short-term fasting and by dietary content of linoleic acid

The rate of desaturation of linoleic acid (18:2(n - 6)) and level of arachidonic acid (20: 4(n - 6)) in mucosal microsomes from small intestine of rats fasted for 24 h or fed diets of different fatty acid composition was examined. Fasting or feeding a diet high in linoleic acid increased delta 6-desaturase activity, a rate-limiting enzyme in the arachidonic acid biosynthetic pathway in the jejunum. After fasting, delta 6-desaturase activity was also enhanced in the ileum. Feeding a diet rich in n - 3 fatty acids had no significant effect on delta 6-desaturase activity in jejunal or ileal mucosal microsomes. Following fasting, arachidonic acid content of microsomal total phospholipids increased in the jejunum with a concomitant decrease in linoleic acid content. Arachidonic acid and 18:2(n - 6) concentration remained unchanged in ileal microsomes after short-term food withdrawal. Feeding a diet containing n - 3 fatty acids lowered the content of 20:4(n - 6) and increased 20:5(n - 3) and 22:6(n - 3) levels in both jejunal and ileal microsomes. These data indicate that the level of 20:4(n - 6) and the biosynthesis of 20:4(n - 6) by desaturation-chain elongation of 18:2(n - 6) in the rat enterocyte responds rapidly to change in physiological conditions such as fasting and dietary fat composition.

Apparent relative retention of the phosphatidylethanolamine molecular species 18:0-20:5(n-3), 16:0-22:6(n-3) and the sum 16:0-20:4(n-6) plus 16:0-20:3(n-9) in the liver microsomes of pig on an essential fatty acid deficient diet

Attempts at a better understanding of the cell membrane organization and functioning need to assess the physical properties which partly depend (i) on the positional distribution of the fatty acids in the membrane phospholipids (PLs) and (ii) on the way by which the PL molecular species are affected by exogenous fatty acids. To do that, the effects of essential (polyunsaturated) fatty acid (EFA) deficiency and enrichment were studied in the liver microsomes of piglets feeding on either an EFA-deficient diet or an EFA-enriched diet containing hydrogenated coconut oil or a mixture of soya + corn oils, respectively. After derivatization, the diacylated forms of choline and ethanolamine PLs were analyzed using a combination of chromatographic techniques and fast-atom bombardment-mass spectrometry. The dinitrobenzoyl-diacylglycerol derivatives corresponding to the molecular species of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were identified. It appears that three factors brought about a marked apparent relative retention: the nature of (i) the base of the polar head, (ii) fatty acids at the sn-1 position and (iii) fatty acids at the sn-2 position. The highest apparent relative retentions were displayed by the 18:0-20:5(n-3)-PE and 16:0-22:6(n-3)-PE. It is noteworthy that the behavior of 20:3 n-9--which is synthesized during the EFA-deficient diet by the same bioconversion system as 20:4 n-6--was very similar to that of 20:4 n-6 during the formation of PC and PE molecular species and that the molecular species of PE containing 20:4(n-6) and 20:3(n-9), gathered together as metabolical homologues, were also apparently retained, particularly in association with 16:0. Present observations are consistent with some others showing retention or preferential distribution of EFA in PE and suggest that specific acyltransferase(s), ethanolamine phosphotransferase and methyltransferase would be mainly involved for PE and PC formation in liver endoplasmic reticulum. Fast-atom bombardment-mass spectrometry of intact phospholipids enables us to show that there is no very long chain dipolyunsaturated phospholipid in liver endoplasmic reticulum.

Dietary unsaturated fatty acids: interactions and possible needs in relation to eicosanoid synthesis

In addition to providing energy and essential fatty acids, dietary fatty acids can affect numerous biochemical and physiologic reactions related to secretory, cardiovascular, and immune functions. The major dietary unsaturated fatty acid, linoleic acid, affects tissue arachidonic acid and can influence eicosanoid-mediated reactions. Chronic, excess, or imbalanced eicosanoid synthesis may be conductive to excessive inflammation, thrombotic tendencies, atherosclerosis, and immune suppression. Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may ameliorate eicosanoid-related phenomena by reducing tissue arachidonic acid and by inhibiting eicosanoid synthesis. This review summarizes information concerning the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids, with emphasis on tissue arachidonic acid levels and eicosanoids, and discusses the need for data concerning the appropriate intake of dietary n-6 and n-3 PUFAs to modulate arachidonic acid and eicosanoid synthesis and to minimize possible adverse reactions.

The Na+K+ATPase activity in cultured human fibroblasts with an elevated phospholipid triene:tetraene ratio

Human skin fibroblasts were cultured at low density for 11 days in MCDB 110, 0.4% fetal bovine serum, a mitogen mixture, and were supplemented with 18:2n-6 or 18:1n-9 as a fatty acid-albumin complex. The cells cultured with the 18:2n-6 supplement had a 20:3n-9/20:4n-6 ratio of 0.29 +/- 0.07; the 18:1n-9 supplemented cells had a ratio of 1.51 +/- 0.27. There was less than 4% difference in total growth of the cell population under the two culture conditions. The cells supplemented with 18:2n-9 had similar levels of protein/cell, K+/mg cell protein and functional Na+K+ATPase activity.

Effects of dietary fats on fatty acid composition and delta 5 desaturase in normal and diabetic rats

We have studied the effect of various diets on the phospholipid fatty acid composition and in vitro delta 5 desaturase activity of hepatic microsomes derived either from the normal or streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. The diets studied were the standard rat chow diet and a basal fat-free diet supplemented either with 20 percent saturated fat, 20 percent unsaturated fat, or 20 percent menhaden oil. Phospholipid fatty acid composition analysis revealed that the normal rat fed the saturated fat or menhaden oil diet had significantly decreased arachidonate levels, consistent with decreased delta 5 desaturase activities and decreased 18:2n-6 intake. On the contrary, the unsaturated fat diet decreased dihomo-gamma-linolenate and increased arachidonate levels, without increased delta 5 desaturase activity. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes resulted in decreased arachidonate and delta 5 desaturase activity. The unsaturated fat diet fed to the diabetic rat also failed to correct this decreased delta 5 desaturase activity. The unsaturated fatty acids in this diet also displaced a substantial amount of n-3 fatty acids in both normal and diabetic microsomes, due to the competition between these two fatty acid families for incorporation into the membrane phospholipids. Conversely, the menhaden oil diet fed to the normal and diabetic rats displaced n-6 fatty acids, reduced delta 5 desaturase activity, and enhanced 22:6n-3 incorporation into diabetic microsomes.

Fatty acid desaturase activities are modulated by phytosterol incorporation in microsomes

The effect of phytosterol-rich diets (3% beta-sitosterol + 2% campesterol) on rat liver microsomal fatty acid desaturases, membrane dynamics and lipid composition was investigated. After a 21 day period, phytosterol was incorporated into microsomes and the membrane fluidity decreased. There were no changes in either the phospholipid composition or in the total sterol content. However, the phytosterol/cholesterol ratio increased. In the animals fed phytosterols, the delta 5-, delta 6- and delta 9-fatty acid desaturases were significantly more active than in control animals. The changes in the lipid fatty acid composition were consistent with those of the desaturase activities. Hence, it is suggested that: (1) dietary phytosterol modulates desaturase activities; (2) phytosterols make the membrane more rigid but do not induce changes in the relative phospholipid composition; (3) delta 9-, delta 5- and delta 6-desaturase activities increase when the membrane becomes more rigid without changes in the phospholipid composition.

The influence of fatty acid unsaturation and physical properties of microsomal membrane phospholipids on UDP-glucuronyltransferase activity

The relationship between lipid composition, the physical properties of microsomal phospholipids and the kinetics of liver UDP-glucuronyltransferase was studied in microsomes from guinea pigs supplied with a normal or a fat-free diet for 28 days. Fatty acid deficiency did not modify either the cholesterol/phospholipid molar ratio or the polar head group composition, but exclusively redistributed the unsaturated fatty acid pattern, by partially exchanging oleic for linoleic acid. This phenomenon accounts for the decrease of both rotational and translational mobilities of the fluorescent probes 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and pyrene respectively. When the thermotropic behaviour of the different systems was assessed, no transition temperature (gel-liquid-crystalline) between 10 and 40 degrees C was seen as a consequence of the lower degree of unsaturation, either in the microsomal membranes or in the total lipid or total phospholipid extracts from the treated animals. In spite of this, the polarization ratio of trans-parinaric acid and the fluorescence intensity of merocyanine 540 revealed that a significant lateral phase separation occurred at 20-22 degrees C in the extracted phospholipids, which was smoother in the total lipid fractions and in the native microsomal membranes. Fatty acid deficiency caused an upward shift of the midpoint temperature of the lateral phase separation. Furthermore, the phosphatidylcholine extracted from the 'normal' microsomes showed a lateral phase separation centred at a lower temperature than that extracted from 'fat-deficient' microsomes. In contrast, the Arrhenius plot of UDP-glucuronyltransferase from 'normal' microsomes exhibited a change in slope at a higher temperature than that from treated microsomes. These results would suggest that fatty acid deficiency in guinea-pig liver microsomes, while rigidizing the bulk lipids, would segregate the most unsaturated phosphatidylcholine molecules towards the UDP-glucuronyltransferase microenvironment, in accordance with our previous results with cholesterol incorporation [Castuma & Brenner (1986) Biochemistry 25, 4733-4738].

Docosahexaenoic acid is neither synthesized nor retroconverted by the normal and tumor mouse mammary epithelial cells in primary culture

Metabolism of 1-14C-[18:3(n-3)] and 1-14C-[22:6(n-3)] were investigated in the primary cultures of normal and tumor mouse mammary epithelial cells. Analysis of endogenous fatty acid composition indicated a decreased proportion of total (n-6) PUFA in the cultured tumor cells compared to normal cells. These cells can synthesize significant amount of 20:5 (n-3) and 22:5 (n-3) but not 22:6 (n-3), from 18:3 (n-3). There was very little or no retroconversion of 22:6 (n-3) by these cells. It has been concluded that mammary epithelial cells may be deficient in 4-desaturase activity and also that exogenous 22:6 (n-3), instead of serving as a source of 20:5 (n-3), may actually counter the effects of both 20:4 (n-6) and 20:5 (n-3) in the mammary tissue.

Accumulation of (n-9)-eicosatrienoic and docosatrienoic acids in human fibroblast phospholipids

An essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency-like profile of fatty acids has been observed in HF-1 human skin fibroblasts cultured at clonal densities in MCDB 110 and 0.4% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The profile was characterized by an accumulation of 16:1n-7, 18:1n-9, 20:3n-9 and 22:3n-9, a reduction of n-6 fatty acids and a reduction in total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The fatty acid composition of sphingomyelin (SPH), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) was determined and, except for SPH, each displayed an EFA deficiency-like profile. The triene to tetraene ratio (20:3n-9/20:4n-6) ranged from 5.3 in PI to 0.9 in PE. In addition, the highest percentage of 20:3n-9 was present in the PI and the highest percentage of 22:3n-9, in PE. Other human fibroblasts (normal, transformed and at different population doubling number levels [PDL]) were grown under the same conditions and were found to display triene to tetraene ratios (20:3n-9/20:4n-6) in total cellular lipids ranging from 0.7 to 4.5. The accumulation of 20:3n-9 and 22:3n-9 is due primarily to the existence of a basal nutrient medium (MCDB 110) that allows for the rapid clonal growth of human fibroblasts at reduced serum levels (0.4%). This culture procedure can be exploited to further elucidate various aspects of lipid metabolism in human fibroblasts.

Microsomal desaturation-elongation of linoleic acid following parenteral feeding with lipid emulsions in the rat

The effect of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) with lipid emulsion to supply either 27.5% or 2% total calories on in vitro desaturation-elongation of 18:2(n-6) by liver microsomes was studied in the rat. The emulsion lipid contained ca. 50% 18:2(n-6) plus 8% 18:3(n-3) or 77% 18:2(n-6) plus 0.5% 18:3(n-3). The reaction rate was influenced by the in vitro substrate concentration and inhibited above 50 mumol 18:2(n-6)/mg microsomal protein. At maximum rates of desaturation-elongation, the formation of triene and tetraene (n-6) fatty acids was reduced in rats given either of the two emulsions. The rate of (n-6) pentaene formation was increased in rats given the emulsion with low 18:3(n-3) but not in rats given the emulsion with 8% 18:3(n-3). Analyses of the microsomal lipid indicated increased free cholesterol in all rats that received TPN. Esterified cholesterol was increased only in rats given 27.5% TPN calories as lipid. Microsomal total phospholipids and phospholipid class distributions were not altered by TPN. The data are consistent with reports of reduced levels of long-chain desaturation-elongation metabolites of 18:2(n-6) in tissue phospholipids following infusion of parenteral lipid. The data suggest that the mechanism may include alterations in other metabolic pathways such as cholesterol, in addition to desaturase enzyme activities, and may be influenced by both the quantity and fatty acid composition of the lipid infused.

Cholesterol-induced microsomal changes modulate desaturase activities

The effect of 1% dietary cholesterol and 0.5% cholate on the rat liver microsomal composition and fatty acid desaturase activities was studied over various periods of time. The cholesterol content of liver microsomes increased as well as that of phosphatidylcholine. Cholesterol/phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratios were also elevated. Phosphatidylinositol decreased, but it recovered its original values at the end of the experimental period. Phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin slightly decreased with time. Fatty acid composition changes were expressed by a saturated acid decrease and monounsaturated acid increase. Arachidonic acid content was also reduced. A similar pattern appeared in the main phospholipids: phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Delta 9-Desaturase activity was enhanced as early as 48 h after cholesterol administration, whereas delta 5- and delta 6-desaturases were depressed during the same period and this enzymatic behaviour remained after 21 days of diet administration. The microsomal membrane was rigidized, as demonstrated by the increase of the fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene.

Effect of dietary cholesterol on microsomal membrane composition, dynamics and kinetic properties of UDPglucuronyl transferase

The effect of cholesterol administration in vivo on the lipid composition, dynamic properties of the microsomal membrane of guinea pig livers and the kinetic properties of UDPglucuronyl transferase were studied. Cholesterol administration in the diet evoked an increase of microsomal cholesterol, but no significant changes in the fatty-acid composition of total lipids or of each phospholipid class. Instead, the phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine molar ratio of the membrane was markedly decreased from 0.57 to 0.38. This decline was not enough to counterbalance the overall 'ordering' effect of cholesterol and consequently, the fluorescence anisotropy of the membranes labeled with 1,6-diphenylhexatriene was increased. The lateral diffusion evaluated by measuring the pyrene excimer formation was decreased by the cholesterol incorporation. These physical changes were associated with changes in the kinetic properties of UDPglucuronyl transferase: Vmax increased, while the Km of the different steps of the reaction decreased in the modified microsomes. Furthermore, a shift of the non-michaelian kinetics to michaelian, equivalent to a decrease of a negative homotropic effect and apparent cooperativity of UDPglucuronic acid was observed since the Hill coefficient changed, approaching 1. A non-michaelian kinetics of this enzyme is an indication of boundary lipids in the gel phase and a shift to michaelian, a change of the surrounding lipids to a liquid-crystalline structure. In consequence, our results suggest that cholesterol incorporation in the microsomal membrane while producing a condensing effect of bulk lipids would produce an opposite effect on the UDPglucuronyl transferase boundary lipids.

In vitro modification of cholesterol content of rat liver microsomes. Effects upon membrane 'fluidity' and activities of glucose-6-phosphatase and fatty acid desaturation systems

The cholesterol content of rat liver microsomal membranes was modified in vitro by incubating microsomes and cytosol with liposomes prepared by sonication of microsomal lipids and cholesterol. In this way, the cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratio was increased from 0.11-0.13 in untreated microsomes to a maximal of 0.8 in treated ones. Cholesterol incorporation in microsomes produced an increase in the diphenyl-hexatriene steady-state fluorescence anisotropy and a decrease in the efficiency of pyrene-excimer formation which indicated a decrease in the rotational and translational mobility, respectively, of these probes in the membranes lipid phase. Cholesterol incorporation in microsomes did not affect significantly the glucose-6-phosphatase activity in 0.1% Triton X-100 totally disrupted microsomes, but diminished the glucose-6-phosphatase activity of 'intact' microsomes. This indicates that possibly the glucose 6-phosphate translocation across the microsomal membrane is impeded by an increase in the membrane apparent 'microviscosity'. Cholesterol incorporation in microsomes decreased NADH-cytochrome c reductase without affecting NADH-ferricyanide reductase activity. The delta 9 desaturation reaction rate was enhanced by cholesterol incorporation at low but not at high palmitic acid substrate concentration. delta 5 and delta 6 desaturase reaction-rates were increased both at low and high fatty acid substrate concentrations. These results suggest that a mechanism involving fatty acid desaturase enzymes, might exist to self-regulate the microsomal membrane lipid phase 'fluidity' in the rat liver.

Autoradiographic studies with fatty acids and some other lipids: a review

In this review, we have mainly included studies in which whole-body autoradiography was used. In lipid research, most studies have been done with fatty acids. These studies showed some common characteristics in the pattern of tissue distribution. A major uptake was seen in the brown fat, liver and adrenal cortex but also to some extent in other tissues with a high metabolic activity or high cell turn-over, e.g. the gastric and intestinal mucosa, diaphragm, kidney cortex and bone marrow. Low levels of radioactivity were generally found in the brain, testes, thymus, white fat, skeletal muscles, lungs and spleen. Most fatty acids showed some specific features, e.g the strong uptake of erucic, arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid in myocardium and of eicosapentaenoic acid in the adrenal cortex. Studies with PGE1 and LTC3 showed that the liver and kidney and to a lesser degree the lungs were the major sites of metabolism. The distribution of free cholesterol and triolein emulsion labelled in the fatty acid moieties did show some similarities with respect to the general pattern found with most fatty acids. Specific for cholesterol was a very strong uptake in the adrenal cortex. There was also a significant uptake in the spleen whereas the uptake in the brown fat was not as marked as for most fatty acids. Specific for triolein was a marked uptake in the spleen and myocardium, in fed animals also in the white adipose tissue. These studies show that whole-body autoradiography can give much valuable information of the uptake and distribution of lipids that would be rather difficult to obtain with conventional methods. Combined with electron-microscopy, autoradiography can be used to study cellular and even subcellular distribution, and thus given further data on the metabolism of lipids in the body.

Short-chain aliphatic alcohols increase rat-liver microsomal membrane fluidity and affect the activities of some microsomal membrane-bound enzymes

n-Butyl and isoamyl alcohols decrease the steady-state fluorescence anisotropy of 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene and enhance the efficiency of pyrene excimer formation when these probes are incorporated in rat-liver microsomal membrane, suggesting an increase in rotational and translational mobilities. Neither alcohol modifies NADH-ferricyanide reductase activity but both increase NADH-cytochrome c reductase activity. This was interpreted as an increase in the rate of lateral diffusion of the proteins cytochrome b5 and cytochrome b5 reductase as a consequence of the enhanced membrane lipid phase fluidity. Microsomal delta 9 and delta 6 desaturase activities in the presence of isoamyl alcohol were also studied. This alcohol decreases delta 9 desaturation when it is measured at a low substrate concentration (13 microM palmitic acid), but it is not modified when it is measured at a high substrate concentration (66 microM palmitic acid). delta 6 desaturation is diminished by isoamyl alcohol when it is measured with both 13 microM and 66 microM linoleic acid. The influence of isoamyl alcohol on the glucose-6-phosphatase system activity was also studied. In non-detergent-treated microsomes, isoamyl alcohol enhances glucose-6-phosphatase activity. However, if microsomes are previously treated with 0.1% Triton X-100 isoamyl alcohol does not modify this activity. The enhancement of the glucose 6-phosphate transport rate is not due to membrane permeability barrier disruption, since isoamyl alcohol does not modify mannose-6-phosphohydrolase latency. This would suggest that an increase in membrane lipid phase fluidity specifically activates glucose 6-phosphate transport across the membrane.

Effect of dietary fatty acids on delta 5 desaturase activity and biosynthesis of arachidonic acid in rat liver microsomes

The effect of different fatty acids supplemented to a fat-free diet on the activity of delta 5 desaturase was studied. Fat-free diet produces a reduction in the conversion of eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid to arachidonic acid. The addition of the cis-omega 6 acids, linoleic, gamma-linolenic or arachidonic to the diet produces an increase of eicosatrienoic acid desaturation, shifting delta 5 desaturase activity towards the controls on a balanced diet. This reactivation is apparently produced by induction of enzyme biosynthesis since linoleate effect was suppressed by simultaneous cycloheximide injection. On the contrary, no changes in delta 5 desaturation activity were found when the diet was supplemented with palmitic or 9-trans,12-trans-linoleic acid. The changes on the activity of delta 5 desaturase were compared with the fatty acid composition of plasma and liver microsomes.