Trans fatty acids and cardiovascular health: research completed?

Effects of gender and slaughter age on physicochemical and quality traits of Korean Hanwoo striploin

Hanwoo beef is in high demand because of its unique flavor, freshness, and high-fat content. However, the longer rearing period required to enhance marbling in Hanwoo cattle has adverse environmental consequences, such as greenhouse gas emissions and overall rearing costs. To address consumer preferences for leaner and healthier meat, the Korean meat industry has recently introduced Hanwoo heifer meat as an alternative source, but its quality traits are still unclear. Nevertheless, there is a limited body of research exploring the impact of Hanwoo gender (steer, heifer, and cow) and their corresponding slaughter ages on meat quality traits. This study looked into how gender affected the physicochemical and qualitative features of Hanwoo striploin at their respective slaughter ages. Results revealed that cow striploin has higher levels of moisture (66.81%) and protein (20.76%), whereas it contains lower levels of fat (10.66%) and cholesterol (34.66 mg/100 g). Regarding the physicochemical properties, cow striploin exhibited significantly lower shear force, color indexes, and soluble collagen (p < 0.05). However, chondroitin (1.19%) and muscle fiber area (1,545.23 μm2) were significantly higher in steer striploin than in heifer and cow (p < 0.05). Cow striploin exhibited significantly higher levels of oleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) while having lower levels of eicosadienoic acid and atherogenic index compared to the other two groups. Cows and heifers had higher concentrations of amino acid metabolites than striploin from steers. Furthermore, bioactive metabolites such as carnitine and carnosine content were found higher in cow and heifer respectively. Overall, Hanwoo cattle gender influences the qualitative attributes of striploin; nevertheless, compared to steer and heifer striploin, cow striploin is a relatively good source of protein, fatty acid content, and metabolites conducive to a healthy diet.

Burden of ischemic heart disease attributable to trans fatty acids, 1990-2019

BACKGROUND & AIM

The impact of cardiovascular disease attributable to trans fatty acids (TFAs) in the Brazilian population has not been systematically evaluated. This study aims to analyze the burden of ischemic heart disease (IHD) attributable to TFAs in Brazil between 1990 and 2019.

METHODS

Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 were used to investigate the attributable burden in Brazil and its 27 federative units, for both sexes-pooled adults aged ≥25 years. Mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from IHD attributable to TFAs were expressed as crude and age-standardized rates and differences from 1990 to 2019 by percentage and annualized rate of change. Linear regression was used to investigate trends. National voluntary and regulatory policies for industrial TFAs (iTFAs) implemented until 2019, summary exposure value (SEV) and sociodemographic index (SDI) were examined.

RESULTS

Between 1990 and 2019, crude and age-standardized mortality rates from IHD attributable to TFAs decreased by -15.9% and -58.0%, respectively, in Brazil. A decrease in crude (-23.3%) and age-standardized (-56.4%) DALY rates of IHD attributable to TFAs was also noticed in the country. States of the South, Southeast, and the Federal District had the largest declines of IHD attributable to TFAs, while states of the Northeast and North had the smallest or even an increase. The policies already adopted had little effect on the IHD burden. A lower SEV and higher SDI value seemed to reduce the burden of IHD.

CONCLUSIONS

Although a downward trend in IHD attributable to TFAs and a reduction in exposure to TFAs were observed, this burden is still relevant in Brazil, reinforcing the importance of diet policies, such as banning iTFAs.

The effects of trans fat diet intake on metabolic parameters and pancreatic tissue in offspring of prenatal bisphenol A exposed rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plasticiser used in the manufacturing of many products and its effects on human health remain controversial. Up till now, BPA involvement in metabolic syndrome risk and development is still not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal BPA exposure with postnatal trans-fat diet intake on metabolic parameters and pancreatic tissue histology. Eighteen pregnant rats were divided into control (CTL), vehicle tween 80 (VHC), and BPA (5 mg/kg/day) from gestational day (GD) 2 until GD 21, then their weaning rat's offspring were fed with normal diet (ND) or trans-fat diet (TFD) from postnatal week (PNW) 3 until PNW 14. The rats were then sacrificed and the blood (biochemical analysis) and pancreatic tissues (histological analysis) were collected. Glucose, insulin, and lipid profile were measured. The study has shown that there was no significant difference between groups with regard to glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles (p > 0.05). All pancreatic tissues showed normal architecture with irregular islets of Langerhans in TFD intake groups compared to offspring that consumed ND. Furthermore, the pancreatic histomorphometry was also affected whereby the study findings revealed that there was a significant increase in the mean number of pancreatic islets in rats from BPA-TFD group (5.987 ± 0.3159 islets/field, p = 0.0022) compared to those fed with ND and BPA non-exposed. In addition, the results have found that prenatal BPA exposure resulted in a significant decrease in the pancreatic islets diameter of the BPA-ND group (183.3 ± 23.28 µm, p = 0.0022) compared to all other groups. In conclusion, prenatal BPA exposure with postnatal TFD in the offspring may affect glucose homeostasis and pancreatic islets in adulthood, and the effect may be more aggravated in late adulthood.

Physicochemical Properties and Cookie-Making Performance as Fat Replacer of Wax-Based Rice Bran Oil Oleogels

Reducing the intake of trans and saturated fatty acids is a trend in healthy eating. In this study, the oleogels were prepared from rice bran oil (RBO), candle wax (CDW), beeswax (BW), rice bran wax (RBW), and carnauba wax (CRW), respectively, and the results based on their physicochemical properties and crystal structures at critical concentrations, 6 wt.%, 8 wt.%, and 10 wt.%, were determined to further investigate the oleogels as a shortening substitute in cookie recipes. Oleogel has a smooth, spreadable β' crystal shape which creates excellent sensory properties and improves the texture, but also has some economic benefits. A comparison between the oleogels formed at critical concentrations and those with improved mass fractions was performed in several analyses such as PLM and texture, and the oleogels with higher mass fractions had a greater hardness and stickiness and denser crystal structures. This study was used to optimize the cookie recipe by partially replacing shortening with oleogel and preparing the cookies according to the 0:1, 3:7, 1:1, 7:3, 1:0 oleogel shortening mixture, respectively. Based on the results of the textural analysis, a colorimetric and sensory evaluation of the optimized formulation of oleogels in cookies, it was evident that BW and RBW oleogels have more potential to replace shortening in cookies than CDW and CRW oleogels. In particular, oleogels with a concentration of 6 wt.% RBW (RBW-6) and at a 7:3 (oleogel:shortening) shortening replacement exhibited a hardness and crispness of 15.75 N and 97.73 g, respectively, with an L* value of 66.66 and a sensory score of 22.32 ± 0.09. The value for the color perception difference (dE) between the cookies and the control group was -3.73, which allowed us to obtain a good product with a quality and characteristics similar to shortening. This supports the feasibility of new solid fats to replace traditional plastic fats in baked goods.

Simultaneous determination of cis- and trans-palmitoleic acid in rat serum by UPLC-MS/MS

Palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid which could affect glucose and lipid metabolism and reduce insulin resistance has two isomers, i.e. cis-palmitoleic acid (cPOA) and trans-palmitoleic acid (tPOA). However, the pharmacokinetic, metabolic transformation and structure–activity relationship of the two isomers have not been reported. A precise and accurate ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC–MS/MS) method was developed to determine cPOA and tPOA simultaneously. Both the cPOA and tPOA were administered i.g. (intragastric gavage) to rats at 75 mg/kg. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for the two isomers by UPLC–MS/MS on a reverse-phase BDS C18 column equilibrated and eluted with water (A) and acetonitrile (B) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The calibration curves for cPOA and tPOA were linear over the range 0.1–12 μg/mL. Analytes were monitored by selected-reaction monitoring in negative electrospray ionization mode. The Tmax of cPOA was 0.94 ± 0.44 h and the Cmax 8.17 ± 1.97 μg/L, and the Tmax and Cmax of tPOA were 1.50 ± 0.98 h and 14.77 ± 11.91 μg/L, respectively. AUC_0–24 h of cPOA and tPOA were 59.45 ± 29.83 and 113.88 ± 72.25 mg/L·h. The method was applied in pharmacokinetic study of cPOA and tPOA in rat serum successfully. Besides, the concentrations of cPOA and tPOA in rat serums were observed fluctuating with a consistent trend, which may be due to reciprocal bio-convert in the body.

On account of trans fatty acids and cardiovascular disease risk - There is still need to upgrade the knowledge and educate consumers

AIMS

Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are unsaturated lipids either of industrial origin or naturally occurring in ruminant meat and milk. TFAs generated through food processing (industrial) is the main source in our diet and studies provide converging evidence on their negative effect on cardiovascular health. Since April 2021, the European Commission has put into effect a regulation for TFAs providing maximum 2% of total fat in all industrially produced foods. In light of this development, we review the evidence regarding the health attributes of different types of TFAs, their dietary sources and current intakes, and we describe the history of TFA-related legislative actions in an attempt to anticipate the efficiency of new measures.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The PubMed database was searched including original research (observational and intervention studies), systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Scientific reports of competent authorities and organizations have also been screened.

CONCLUSIONS

Trans-fat elimination provides a fine example of how evidence has led to the application of horizontal regulatory measures regarding legal food ingredients in order to protect consumers' health. In EU Member States, TFAs currently provide on average less than 1% of energy (1%E) and intakes marginally exceed recommendations primarily among young adults. Large dietary surveys however provide evidence for additional, less-well known sources of TFAs in the diet. Raising public awareness of "hidden" trans-fat found naturally in foods such as cheese, as well as of the trans-fat generated through traditional cooking practices is needed, if the goal to eliminate trans-fat from the diet is to be met.

Trans-Fat Labeling in Packaged Foods Sold in Brazil Before and After Changes in Regulatory Criteria for Trans-Fat-Free Claims on Food Labels

Consumption of industrially produced trans-fat acids (TFA) is a public health concern. Therefore, it is important that information on TFA in packaged foods be clearly informed to consumers. This study aimed to assess the evolution of TFA information presented in packaged foods sold in Brazil in 2010 and 2013, before and after the introduction of stricter regulatory requirements for TFA-free claims on food labels. A repeated cross-sectional study was performed through food label censuses of all packaged foods available for sale in two stores from the same supermarket chain, totaling 2,327 foods products in 2010 and 3,176 in 2013. TFA-free claims and information indicating TFA in the ingredients list and nutrition facts label were analyzed by descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test. There was a 14% decrease in the use of ingredients containing or potentially containing industrially produced TFA (i-TFA), according to analysis of the ingredients list. However, when analyzing foods by groups, it was found that this decrease was significant only for group A (bakery goods, bread, cereals, and related products; from 59 to 35%, p < 0.001). By contrast, food group F (gravies, sauces, ready-made seasonings, broths, soups, and ready-to-eat dishes) showed a 5% increase in i-TFA. The use of specific terms for i-TFA decreased between 2010 and 2013, but there was an increase in the use of alternative terms, such as vegetable fat and margarine, which do not allow consumers to reliably identify whether a food product is a possible source of i-TFA. There was an 18% decrease in the use of TFA-free claims in products containing or potentially containing i-TFA. However, almost one-third of foods sold in 2013 were false negatives, that is, foods reported to contain 0 g of TFA in the nutrition facts label or with TFA-free claims but displaying specific or alternative terms for i-TFA in the ingredients list. The results indicate that adoption of stricter requirements for TFA-free claims on food labels in Brazil helped reduce the prevalence of such claims but was not sufficient to decrease i-TFA in industrialized foods sold in supermarkets.

Trans fatty acids in frequently consumed products from Serbian and Slovenian market

OBJECTIVES

Industrially produced trans fatty acid (iTFA) have adverse health effects and thus their consumption should be limited. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the iTFA content in frequently consumed food products by young adults from the Serbian and Slovenian market with supposedly elevated iTFA content in 2015. At the time of this study, there was no recommended limit of iTFA in both countries, and reduction of iTFA in foods was on voluntary basis.

METHODS

We determined iTFA content in food products, 19 from the Serbian and 22 from the Slovenian market, blinded and analysed in the same analytical run. Contents of fatty acids (FA) methyl esters were analysed by capillary gas chromatography with a flame ionisation detector. Heptadecanoic acid was used as internal standard. Individual FA along with TFA were expressed as percentages of total measured FA. The amount of each FA in the sample was then calculated from the response factor and the transformation factor of the FA from the FA methyl ester content.

RESULTS

Elaidic acid (C18:1t) was found as the most abundant TFA in analysed products, ranging from 0.52 g/100 g of total FA in chocolate candy up to 60.4 g/100 g in a salami from Serbian market. In Slovenian products, the values for elaidic acid were lower, 0.04-3.95 g/100 g of total FA, except in one type of wafers (24.3 g/100 g).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of analysed products from the Serbian and three from Slovenian market exceeded the recommended WHO and EU limit of 2% iTFA of total fat in foods. Samples of frequently consumed salami, wafers, tea biscuits, and snacks were identified as products with potentially higher burden of iTFA in diets of young adults in Serbia.

Unraveling structural and conformational dynamics of DGAT1 missense nsSNPs in dairy cattle

Cattle are domestic animals that have been nourishing humans for thousands of years. Milk from cattle represents a key source of high-quality protein, fat, and other nutrients. The nutritional value of milk and dairy products is closely associated with the fat content, providing up to 30% of the total fat consumed in the human diet. The fat content in cattle milk represents a major concern for the scientific community due to its association with human health. The relationship between milk fat content and diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase 1 gene (DGAT1) is well described in literature. Several studies demonstrated the difference in fat contents and other milk production traits in a wide range of cattle breeds, to be associated with missense non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) of the DGAT1 gene. As a result, an nsSNPs analysis is crucial for unraveling the DGAT1 structural and conformational dynamics linked to milk fat content. DGAT1-nsSNPs are yet to be studied in terms of their structural and functional impact. Therefore, state-of-the-art computational and structural genomic methods were used to analyze five selected variants (W128R, W214R, C215G, P245R, and W459G), along with the wild type DGAT1. Significant structural and conformational changes in the variants were observed. We illustrate how single amino acid substitutions affect DGAT1 function, how this contributes to our understanding of the molecular basis of variations in DGAT1, and ultimately its impact in improving fat quality in milk.

Trans-10 18:1 in ruminant meats: A review

Trans (t) fatty acids (TFA) from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (i.e., industrial trans) have been phased out of foods in many countries due to their promotion of cardiovascular disease. This leaves ruminant-derived foods as the main source of TFA. Unlike industrial TFA where catalytic hydrogenation yields a broad distribution of isomers, ruminant TFA are enzymatically derived and can result in enrichment of specific isomers. Comparisons between industrial and ruminant TFA have often exonerated ruminant TFA due to their lack or at times positive effects on health. At extremes, however, ruminant-sourced foods can have either high levels of t10- or t11-18:1, and when considering enriched sources, t10-18:1 has properties similar to industrial TFA, whereas t11-18:1 can be converted to an isomer of conjugated linoleic acid (cis(c)9,t11-conjugated linoleic acid), both of which have potential positive health effects. Increased t10-18:1 in meat-producing ruminants has not been associated with negative effects on live animal production or meat quality. As such, reducing t10-18:1 has not been of immediate concern to ruminant meat producers, as there have been no economic consequences for its enrichment; nevertheless at high levels, it can compromise the nutritional quality of beef and lamb. In anticipation that regulations regarding TFA may focus more on t10-18:1 in beef and lamb, the present review will cover its production, analysis, biological effects, strategies for manipulation, and regulatory policy.

Ruminant fat intake improves gut microbiota, serum inflammatory parameter and fatty acid profile in tissues of Wistar rats

This study tested the hypothesis that naturally and industrially produced trans-fatty acids can exert distinct effects on metabolic parameters and on gut microbiota of rats. Wistar rats were randomized into three groups according to the diet: CONT-control, with 5% soybean oil and normal amount of fat; HVF-20% of hydrogenated vegetable fat (industrial); and RUM-20% of ruminant fat (natural). After 53 days of treatment, serum biochemical markers, fatty acid composition of liver, heart and adipose tissue, histology and hepatic oxidative parameters, as well as gut microbiota composition were evaluated. HVF diet intake reduced triglycerides (≈ 39.39%) and VLDL levels (≈ 39.49%). Trans-fatty acids levels in all tissue were higher in HVF group. However, RUM diet intake elevated amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (≈ 14.7%) compared to CONT, but not to HVF. Furthermore, RUM intake led to higher concentrations of stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid in all tissue; this particular diet was associated with a hepatoprotective effect. The microbial gut communities were significantly different among the groups. Our results show that ruminant fat reversed the hepatic steatosis normally caused by high fat diets, which may be related to the remodelling of the gut microbiota and its anti-inflammatory potential.

Allosteric modulation of cardiac myosin mechanics and kinetics by the conjugated omega-7,9 trans-fat rumenic acid

KEY POINTS

Direct binding of rumenic acid to the cardiac myosin-2 motor domain increases the release rate for orthophosphate and increases the Ca²⁺ responsiveness of cardiac muscle at low load. Physiological cellular concentrations of rumenic acid affect the ATP turnover rates of the super-relaxed and disordered relaxed states of β-cardiac myosin, leading to a net increase in myocardial metabolic load. In Ca²⁺ -activated trabeculae, rumenic acid exerts a direct inhibitory effect on the force-generating mechanism without affecting the number of force-generating motors. In the presence of saturating actin concentrations rumenic acid binds to the β-cardiac myosin-2 motor domain with an EC₅₀ of 200 nM. Molecular docking studies provide information about the binding site, the mode of binding, and associated allosteric communication pathways. Free rumenic acid may exceed thresholds in cardiomyocytes above which contractile efficiency is reduced and interference with small molecule therapeutics, targeting cardiac myosin, occurs.

ABSTRACT

Based on experiments using purified myosin motor domains, reconstituted actomyosin complexes and rat heart ventricular trabeculae, we demonstrate direct binding of rumenic acid, the cis-delta-9-trans-delta-11 isomer of conjugated linoleic acid, to an allosteric site located in motor domain of mammalian cardiac myosin-2 isoforms. In the case of porcine β-cardiac myosin, the EC₅₀ for rumenic acid varies from 10.5 μM in the absence of actin to 200 nM in the presence of saturating concentrations of actin. Saturating concentrations of rumenic acid increase the maximum turnover of basal and actin-activated ATPase activity of β-cardiac myosin approximately 2-fold but decrease the force output per motor by 23% during isometric contraction. The increase in ATP turnover is linked to an acceleration of the release of the hydrolysis product orthophosphate. In the presence of 5 μM rumenic acid, the difference in the rate of ATP turnover by the super-relaxed and disordered relaxed states of cardiac myosin increases from 4-fold to 20-fold. The equilibrium between the two functional myosin states is not affected by rumenic acid. Calcium responsiveness is increased under zero-load conditions but unchanged under load. Molecular docking studies provide information about the rumenic acid binding site, the mode of binding, and associated allosteric communication pathways. They show how the isoform-specific replacement of residues in the binding cleft induces a different mode of rumenic acid binding in the case of non-muscle myosin-2C and blocks binding to skeletal muscle and smooth muscle myosin-2 isoforms.

Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Risk. Evidence, Lack of Evidence, and Diligence

One of the most controversial areas of nutrition research relates to fats, particularly essential fatty acids, in the context of cardiovascular disease risk. A critical feature of dietary fatty acids is that they incorporate into the plasma membrane, modifying fluidity and key physiological functions. Importantly, they can reshape the bioavailability of eicosanoids and other lipid mediators, which direct cellular responses to external stimuli, such as inflammation and chronic stress conditions. This paper provides an overview of the most recent evidence, as well as historical controversies, linking fat consumption with human health and disease. We underscore current pitfalls in the area of fatty acid research and critically frame fatty acid intake in the larger context of diet and behavior. We conclude that fundamental research on fatty acids and lipids is appropriate in certain areas, but the rigor and reproducibility are lacking in others. The pros and cons are highlighted throughout the review, seeking to guide future research on the important area of nutrition, fat intake, and cardiovascular disease risk.

Cow's Milk and Dairy Consumption: Is There Now Consensus for Cardiometabolic Health?

Cow's milk and dairy products derived from this complex food source have long been proposed as beneficial to human health, yet underlying clinical evidence of direct benefit continues to raise controversy. Limited evidence supports positive cardiometabolic effects of a number of dairy macro- and micronutrient components including whey protein and casein, unsaturated fats, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and polar phospholipids, vitamin D and calcium, in addition to non-bovine components including bacterial and yeast probiotics. More controversial remain lipid components trans fats, including trans vaccenic acid, trans palmitoleic acid, and conjugated cis trans linoleic acid (CLA), plus medium-chain and odd-chain dairy fats. New evidence is rapidly identifying multiple pathways by which these dairy nutrients may effect health. Processing, including fermentation and homogenization, may also have positive effects. Conversely, the high saturated fat content of dairy has long raised concern, aligned with international guidelines to minimize dietary intake of animal-origin saturated fatty acids (SFA) to achieve better cardiometabolic health. However, led in part by observational studies and meta-analyses showing dairy to have no or even an inverse association with cardiometabolic health, evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has been scrutinized over the last 5 years, and focus on low-fat dairy has been challenged. Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that adverse effects of SFAs on metabolic health may be ameliorated when these fats are consumed within a complex matrix such as milk, cheese or yogurt, and that dairy food categories may influence outcomes as much as total fat content. For example, yogurt and high-fat, high-SFA cheese have a negative association with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in many, not all, published trials. However, large sample dairy RCTs of long duration with CVD or T2D incidence as primary endpoints are lacking. This is a clear research gap, with these clinical studies required if a causative link between dairy and improved cardiometabolic health is to be confirmed and in turn promoted through dietary guidelines. Current advisories from national guidance groups such as American Heart Association (AHA) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) continue to promote consumption of low-fat dairy products, whilst liquid milk and yogurt remain part of nutrition guidelines from joint American Diabetes Association (ADA)/European Association for Study of Diabetes (EASD) reports, and as part of a "no-one-size-fits-all" answer to diet and T2D by the ADA in their most recent 2019 Consensus Report.

Deregulation of Lipid Homeostasis: A Fa(c)t in the Development of Metabolic Diseases

Lipids are important molecules for human health. The quantity and quality of fats consumed in the diet have important effects on the modulation of both the natural biosynthesis and degradation of lipids. There is an important number of lipid-failed associated metabolic diseases and an increasing number of studies suggesting that certain types of lipids might be beneficial to the treatment of many metabolic diseases. The aim of the present work is to expose an overview of de novo biosynthesis, storage, and degradation of lipids in mammalian cells, as well as, to review the published data describing the beneficial effects of these processes and the potential of some dietary lipids to improve metabolic diseases.

The effect of trans-palmitoleic acid on cell viability and sirtuin 1 gene expression in hepatocytes and the activity of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-alpha

Background:

Accumulation of fatty acids in liver causes lipotoxicity which is followed by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The association between intakes of trans-fatty acids with metabolic diseases is still controversial. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro effects of trans-palmitoleic acid (tPA) and palmitic acid (PA) on lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, focusing on the gene expression of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) as well as the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα).

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were cultured and treated with various concentrations of tPA and PA (C16:0). The accumulation of triglyceride in the cells was measured by enzymatic method. Gene expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The activity of PPARα was assessed by luciferase reporter assay after transfection of human embryonic kidney 293T cells by a vector containing the PPAR response element.

Results:

While concentration >1 mM for PA and cis-PA (cPA) reduced the viability of hepatocytes, tPA revealed an opposite effect and increased cell survival. Lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells after treatment with tPA was significantly lower than that in cells treated with PA. In addition, tPA at physiological concentration had no effect on the expression of SIRT1 while at high concentration significantly augmented its expression. There was a modest increase in PPARα activity at low concentration of tPA.

Conclusion:

tPA causes less lipid accumulation in hepatocytes with no detrimental effect on cell viability and might be beneficial for liver cells by the activation of SIRT1 and induction of PPARα activity.

Dietary Acid Load and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors-A Narrative Review

The Western, diet rich in acidogenic foods (e.g., meat, fish and cheese) and low in alkaline foods (e.g., vegetables, fruits and legumes), is deemed to be a cause of endogenous acid production and elevated dietary acid load (DAL), which is a potential cause of metabolic acidosis. Multiple authors have suggested that such a dietary pattern increases the excretion of calcium and magnesium, as well as cortisol secretion. In addition, it is associated with decreased citrate excretion. All of these seem to increase blood pressure and insulin resistance and may contribute to the development of cardiometabolic disorders. However, there are inconsistencies in the results of the studies conducted. Therefore, this narrative literature review aims to present the outcomes of studies performed in recent years that investigated the association between DAL and the following cardiometabolic risk factors: blood pressure, hypertension, carbohydrate metabolism and lipid profile. Study outcomes are divided into (i) statistically significant positive association, (ii) statistically significant inverse association, and (iii) no statistically significant association.

A modelling approach to investigate the impact of consumption of three different beef compositions on human dietary fat intakes

OBJECTIVE

To apply a dietary modelling approach to investigate the impact of substituting beef intakes with three types of alternative fatty acid (FA) composition of beef on population dietary fat intakes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, national food consumption survey - the National Adult Nutrition Survey (NANS). The fat content of the beef-containing food codes (n 52) and recipes (n 99) were updated with FA composition data from beef from animals receiving one of three ruminant dietary interventions: grass-fed (GRASS), grass finished on grass silage and concentrates (GSC) or concentrate-fed (CONC). Mean daily fat intakes, adherence to dietary guidelines and the impact of altering beef FA composition on dietary fat sources were characterised.

SETTING

Ireland.

PARTICIPANTS

Beef consumers (n 1044) aged 18-90 years.

RESULTS

Grass-based feeding practices improved dietary intakes of a number of individual FA, wherein myristic acid (C14 : 0) and palmitic acid (C16 : 0) were decreased, with an increase in conjugated linoleic acid (C18 : 2c9,t11) and trans-vaccenic acid (C18 : 1t11; P < 0·05). Improved adherence with dietary recommendations for total fat (98·5 %), SFA (57·4 %) and PUFA (98·8 %) was observed in the grass-fed beef scenario (P < 0·001). Trans-fat intakes were increased significantly in the grass-fed beef scenario (P < 0·001).

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to characterise the impact of grass-fed beef consumption at population level. The study suggests that habitual consumption of grass-fed beef may have potential as a public health strategy to improve dietary fat quality.

Fatty acids and cardiometabolic health: a review of studies in Chinese populations

Rapid nutrition transition from plant-based traditional diet to westernized diet has led to dramatically heightening burdens of cardiometabolic diseases in China in past decades. Recently, national surveys reported that poor dietary quality including low marine n-3 fatty acids and high intakes of red meat and processed meat was associated with considerably elevated cardiometabolic deaths. Previous studies mainly from Western population-based cohorts have indicated that not only fat quantity but also quality linked with different cardiometabolic outcomes. Compared with Western peoples, Asian peoples, including Chinese, are known to have different dietary patterns and lifestyle, as well as genetic heterogeneities, which may modify fatty acid metabolism and disease susceptibility in certain degree. To date, there were limited prospective studies investigating the relationships between fatty acids and cardiometabolic disease outcomes in Chinese, and most existing studies were cross-sectional nature and within one or two region(s). Notably, shifting dietary patterns could change not only amount, types, and ratio of fatty acids accounting for overall energy intake, but also their food sources and ratio to other macronutrients. Moreover, large geographic and urban-rural variations in prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases among Chinese may also reflect the effects of socioeconomic development and local diets on health status. Therefore, current review will summarize available literatures with more focus on the Chinese-based studies which may extend current knowledge about the roles of fatty acids in pathogenesis of cardiometabolic diseases for Asian populations and also provide useful information for trans-ethnic comparisons with other populations.

Fatty Acid Composition of Meat and Edible Offal from Free-Living Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)

The objective of the study was to characterize tissue-associated differences in the fatty acid composition of fat in skeletal muscles M. longissimus dorsi (loin), M. biceps femoris (hind quarter), and M. triceps brachii (shoulder), and internal organs (i.e., liver, heart, and kidney) from free-living red deer (Cervus elaphus) females (n = 11) hunted in Lithuania. Skeletal muscles were characterized by lower content of free fat compared with the offal. The highest percentage of saturated fatty acids was found in the liver fat, whereas the lowest percentage was in the heart. Red deer offal showed significantly lower and higher proportions of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to meat, respectively. Higher proportions of oleic fatty acid in the shoulder and hind quarter compared to the loin were the only significant differences between skeletal muscles. The lowest and the highest n-6 polyunsaturated/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6/n-3PUFA) ratio were found in the liver and heart, respectively. More favorable lower atherogenic index and higher hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio found in the offal showed their high nutritional value, however, higher peroxidizability index indicated higher susceptibility to lipid peroxidation compared to skeletal muscles.

Cow's milk: Composition, nutritional, biological and cardioprotective benefits

Since several years, dairy products have been at the heart of nutritional deba-tes. High-fat dairy products can aggravate dyslipidemia and the consumption of satura-ted, and trans fats is associated with an increased cardiovascular diseases risk. In this re-gard, current dietary guidelines recommend a low fat content, and a significant reduc-tion in trans fatty acid intake. However, recent controversial epidemiological studies show that high-fat dairy products consumption may reduce diabetes, metabolic syndro-me, and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This dairy paradox has led to a dietary guidelines re-evaluation.

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.

Plasma Trans Fatty Acid Levels, Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Lifestyle: Results from the Akershus Cardiac Examination 1950 Study

Intake of industrially produced trans fatty acids (iTFAs) has previously been associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension and inflammation, as well as increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. iTFA intake declined in Norway after the introduction of legislative bans against iTFA consumption. However, the relationship between the current iTFA intake and CV health is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between current iTFA intake, reflected by plasma iTFA levels, and established CV risk factors. We also examined the associations between plasma ruminant TFA levels and CV risk factors. In this cross-sectional study, we included 3706 participants from a Norwegian general population, born in 1950 and residing in Akershus County, Norway. The statistical method was multivariable linear regression. Plasma iTFA levels were inversely associated with serum triglycerides (p < 0.001), fasting plasma glucose (p < 0.001), body mass index (p < 0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.001 and p = 0.03) and C-reactive protein (p = 0.001). Furthermore, high plasma iTFA levels were associated with higher education and less smoking and alcohol consumption. We found that plasma ruminant trans fatty acids (rTFA) levels were favorably associated with CV risk factors. Furthermore, plasma iTFA levels were inversely associated with CV risk factors. However, our results might have been driven by lifestyle factors. Overall, our findings suggest that the current low intake of iTFAs in Norway does not constitute a threat to CV health.

Trans fatty acid intake among Chinese population: a longitudinal study from 1991 to 2011

Objective

This study was aimed to roughly describe individual Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) intake and the percentage of energy intake(E%), and identify major food sources in the Chinese population, taking gender, age, and regional distribution into the consideration, as well as examining temporal changes over the course of 20 years.

Method

This multi-center study, covering nine provinces among populations aged ≥ 3 in China, was conducted to collect food consumption information from 1991 to 2011. A classical assessment method was used to estimate the level of dietary TFA intake.

Results

Over the 20-year period, the intake of TFAs in Chinese populations had increased, but remained at a relatively lower level (from 0.25 g/d(0.11% for E%) to 0.53 g/d(0.24% for E%)) compared with that of other countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level. Collectively, males and participants aged 19–60 generally consumed more TFA-containing foods. People in eastern regions consumed more TFAs and had a higher E% than those in western area. Industrial sources of TFAs, especially vegetable oil, ranked as the principal food sources of TFAs in the Chinese population. Natural sources of TFAs have gradually increased in proportion among children and adolescents.

Conclusions

TFA intake and the E% are commonly under the recommended level in the general population in China. Presently, restriction of vegetable oil could be a crucial method to reduce TFA intake. It would be critical to facilitate and promote public health that food recommendations might be based on the dietary preferences for population separated by different ages and regions.

Bioactivity and health effects of ruminant meat lipids. Invited Review

Ruminant meat (RM) is an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins and trace minerals and plays an important role in global food and nutrition security. However, nutritional guidelines commonly recommend reduced intake of RM mainly because of its high saturated fatty acid (SFA) content, and more recently because of its perceived negative environmental impacts. RM is, however, rich in heart healthy cis-monounsaturated fatty acids and can be an important source of long-chain omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids in populations with low fish consumption. In addition, RM is a source of bioactive phospholipids, as well as rumen-derived bioactive fatty acids including branched-chain, vaccenic and rumenic acids, which have been associated with several health benefits. However, the role of bioactive RM lipids in maintaining and improving consumers' health have been generally ignored in nutritional guidelines. The present review examines RM lipids in relation to human health, and evaluates the effectiveness of different feeding strategies and possibilities for future profile and content improvement.

[Trans fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid in food: origin and biological properties]

Introduction

Trans fatty acids (TFA) are minor lipid components present in different foods, including ruminant derived products, which have received great attention due to their relationship with cardiovascular disease risk. The origin of TFA in food is mainly related to the industrial hydrogenation processes of unsaturated vegetable oils, but they can also occur naturally in the digestive tract of ruminants by enzymatic biohydrogenation reactions. Both mechanisms generate similar TFA compounds. However, TFA consumption may exert different biological effects depending on the isomeric distribution, which is strongly influenced by the dietary source (i.e., industrial or natural). Industrial hydrogenated vegetable fats are rich in elaidic (trans-9 18:1) and trans-10 18:1 fatty acids, among others. In contrast, vaccenic acid (trans-11 18:1) is the major TFA isomer detected in milk and other ruminant derived products. Vaccenic acid is the physiological precursor of conjugated linoleic acid, a bioactive lipid with beneficial effects on human health. This article provides updated information on the biological effects and potential bioactive properties of TFA considering both, their chemical structure and provenance.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Milk Fatty Acids in Holstein Cattle Accounting for the DGAT1 Gene Effect

The identification of genomic regions and candidate genes associated with milk fatty acids contributes to better understand the underlying biology of these traits and enables breeders to modify milk fat composition through genetic selection. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to perform genome-wide association analyses for five groups of milk fatty acids in Holstein cattle using a high-density (777K) SNP panel; and (2) to compare the results of GWAS accounting (or not) for the DGAT1 gene effect as a covariate in the statistical model. The five groups of milk fatty acids analyzed were: (1) saturated (SFA); (2) unsaturated (UFA); (3) short-chain (SCFA); (4) medium-chain (MCFA); and (5) long-chain (LCFA) fatty acids. When DGAT1 was not fitted as a covariate in the model, significant SNPs and candidate genes were identified on BTA5, BTA6, BTA14, BTA16, and BTA19. When fitting the DGAT1 gene in the model, only the MGST1 and PLBD1 genes were identified. Thus, this study suggests that the DGAT1 gene accounts for most of the variability in milk fatty acid composition and the PLBD1 and MGST1 genes are important additional candidate genes in Holstein cattle.

Lipid Composition of Brazilian Chocolates and Chocolate Products with Special Emphasis on Their Fat Origin and Trans C18:1 Isomeric Profile

The aim of this work was to provide recent fatty acid (FA) profiling of chocolates and chocolate products, principally C18:1 trans FAs (TFAs). Thirty-two samples were analyzed by gas chromatography and FAs were quantified. The total TFA content declared in chocolate labeling and the real TFA content were compared. The TFA content ranged from 0.04 to 2.51 g/100 g of sample, and it was noticed that several manufacturers were underestimating the total TFA content in their labeling. The main TFA isomers quantified were C18:1 trans-9 (0.006-0.244%), C18:1 trans-10 (0.009-0.392%), and C18:1 trans-11 (0.013-0.464%), expressed in g/100 g of sample. Principal component analysis was used to discriminate industrial fats from natural trans fats based on the isomeric TFA profile and dairy fat (DF) biomarkers allowing to group samples in four clusters: high TFA content and high DF content, high TFA content and low DF content, low TFA content and high DF content, and low TFA content and low DF content.

Double bond configuration of palmitoleate is critical for atheroprotection

OBJECTIVE

Saturated and trans fat consumption is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Current dietary guidelines recommend low fat and significantly reduced trans fat intake. Full fat dairy can worsen dyslipidemia, but recent epidemiological studies show full-fat dairy consumption may reduce diabetes and CVD risk. This dairy paradox prompted a reassessment of the dietary guidelines. The beneficial metabolic effects in dairy have been claimed for a ruminant-derived, trans fatty acid, trans-C16:1n-7 or trans-palmitoleate (trans-PAO). A close relative, cis-PAO, is produced by de novo lipogenesis and mediates inter-organ crosstalk, improving insulin-sensitivity and alleviating atherosclerosis in mice. These findings suggest trans-PAO may be a useful substitute for full fat dairy, but a metabolic function for trans-PAO has not been shown to date.

METHODS

Using lipidomics, we directly investigated trans-PAO's impact on plasma and tissue lipid profiles in a hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis mouse model. Furthermore, we investigated trans-PAO's impact on hyperlipidemia-induced inflammation and atherosclerosis progression in these mice.

RESULTS

Oral trans-PAO supplementation led to significant incorporation of trans-PAO into major lipid species in plasma and tissues. Unlike cis-PAO, however, trans-PAO did not prevent organelle stress and inflammation in macrophages or atherosclerosis progression in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant, inverse correlation between circulating trans-PAO levels and diabetes incidence and cardiovascular mortality has been reported. Our findings show that trans-PAO can incorporate efficiently into the same pools that its cis counterpart is known to incorporate into. However, we found trans-PAO's anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects are muted due to its different structure from cis-PAO.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes

The impact of dietary fat on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been extensively studied in recent decades. Solid evidence indicates that replacing saturated fatty acids (SFAs) with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) decreases blood cholesterol levels and prevents CVD and CVD mortality. Studies indicate that fat quality also may affect insulin sensitivity and hence, the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). A high intake of SFAs has shown to increase the risk of T2D in prospective studies, while a high intake of PUFAs reduces the risk. Whether PUFAs from marine or vegetable sources affect glycemic regulation differently in T2D remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present review was therefore to summarize research on human randomized, controlled intervention studies investigating the effect of dietary PUFAs on glycemic regulation in T2D. About half of the studies investigating the effect of fish, fish oils, vegetable oils, or nuts found changes related to glycemic control in people with T2D, while the other half found no effects. Even though some of the studies used SFA as controls, the majority of the included studies compared PUFAs of different quality. Considering that both marine and vegetable oils are high in PUFAs and hence both oils may affect glycemic regulation, the lack of effect in several of the included studies may be explained by the use of an inappropriate control group. It is therefore not possible to draw a firm conclusion, and more studies are needed.

Comparing the simultaneous determination of cis- and trans-palmitoleic acid in fish oil using HPLC and GC

Background

Cis- and trans-palmitoleic acids (Cis-POA and trans-POA) are isomers of palmitoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid which affects glucose and lipid metabolism, and reduces insulin resistance. Trans-POA is used as a biomarker for indicating the risk of type II diabetes and coronary heart disease, but no methods of analysis or distinguishing between cis-POA and trans-POA have yet been reported.

Method

An accurate and precise HPLC method was developed to determine cis- and trans-POA simultaneously, and compared with results from a GC method. Cis- and trans-POA were analyzed by HPLC on a reverse-phase BDS-C18 column, equilibrated and eluted with acetonitrile (A) and water (B). In the established and validated GC method used for comparison, potassium hydroxide ester exchange was chosen to derivatize the cis- and trans-POA, before being determined.

Results

The calibration curves for cis- and trans-POA were linear over the range 0.05 to 500 μg/mL. The HPLC method exhibited good sensitivity, precision and accuracy. The limits of detection (LOD) for cis- and trans-POA were 0.2 and 0.05 μg/mL, respectively. The method successfully determined cis- and trans-POA in fish oil. For the GC method, the contents of cis-POA quantified were similar to those from the HPLC method, but the contents of trans-POA revealed significant variation between the two methods.

Conclusions

After a comprehensive consideration of the characteristics of the saponification and methyl esterification methods which have been tested and verified, the HPLC method was found to be suitable for determining cis- and trans-POA contents in fish oil. It was also suggested that in natural fish oil, cis-POA may be in the glyceride state, and trans-POA almost completely in the free acid form. In comparison with the GC method, the HPLC method provided a simpler process and faster analyses for identifying and determining cis- and trans-POA. The study has also provided technical support for studying the pharmacological differences and relationship between structure and activity of cis- and trans-POA. This could help physicians to analyze patients’ samples more quickly in 10 min and therefore provide a more rapid diagnosis of problems relating to the risk of type II diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Cell signaling and biological pathway in cardiovascular diseases

Currently, coronary artery disease accounts for a large proportion of deaths occurring worldwide. Damage to the heart muscle over a short period of time leads to myocardial infarction (MI). The biological mechanisms of atherosclerosis, one of the causes of MI, have been well studied. Resistin, a type of adipokine, is closely associated with intravascular level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and augmentation of the expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells. Therefore, resistin, which is highly associated with inflammation, can progress into coronary artery disease. Adenylyl cyclase associated protein 1, a binding partner of resistin, also plays an important role in inducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The induction of these cytokines can aggravate atherosclerosis by promoting severe plaque rupture of the lesion site. Recently, drugs, such as statins that can inhibit inflammation have been extensively studied. The development of effective new drugs that can directly or indirectly block pro-inflammatory cytokines may have a great potential in the treatment of coronary artery disease in the future.

Health-Associated Nutrition and Exercise Behaviors in Relation to Metabolic Risk Factors Stratified by Body Mass Index

This study aimed to investigate the relationships of nutrition and exercise behaviors on metabolic risk factors (MRF) when body mass index (BMI) was considered. Health-associated nutrition and exercise behaviors were assessed by a questionnaire, anthropometric values, blood pressure and biochemical determinations that were obtained from 4017 workers. The nutrition score was negatively associated with triglycerides in the overweight subgroup and with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the obese subgroup. The exercise score was negatively associated with triglycerides and waist circumference (WC) and positively associated with SBP and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the ideal weight subgroup as well as being negatively associated with WC and positively associated with HDL-C in the overweight subgroup. Similarly, the exercise score was negatively associated with WC and positively associated with SBP in the obese subgroup. However, no significant association was found between nutrition or exercise behavior and MRF in the underweight subgroup. In conclusion, the relationships of exercise and nutrition behaviors on MRF varied for different levels of BMI. Exercise showed a significant association with lower WC. Moreover, its effect showed a gradient trend in accordance with the levels of BMI. For ameliorating MRF, exercise seemed to have better effects than nutrition behavior, especially in the ideal weight subgroup.

Industrially produced trans fat in popular foods in 15 countries of the former Soviet Union from 2015 to 2016: a market basket investigation

OBJECTIVE

To minimise the intake of industrially produced trans fat (I-TF) and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease, several countries have implemented a legislative restriction on I-TF in foods. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of I-TF in biscuits/cakes/wafers in 15 countries of the former Soviet Union that all have a high coronary mortality rate compared with countries in Western Europe.

METHODS

Three large supermarkets in 15 capitals were visited in 2015 or 2016. Prepackaged biscuits/cakes/wafers were bought if the list of ingredients disclosed that the product contained more than 15 g of fat per 100 g of product and if partially hydrogenated fat or a similar term, including margarine, refined fat or confectionery fat, were mentioned. Samples of the foods were subsequently analysed for total fat and TF.

RESULTS

Some 994 products contained more than 2% total fat as I-TF (illegal in Denmark). In Armenia, 91 different products had a mean value (SD) of 21 (11)% fat as I-TF. In Estonia, there were eight products with 14 (10)% fat as I-TF. The other 13 countries had values between those of Armenia and Estonia. In several countries, a major portion of the products was imported from Russia and Ukraine. The mean shelf life (SD) of 673 packages was 218 (75) days. The % TF in the fat of the products produced in Russia and in Ukraine in relation to the date of production both declined by approximately 10% points during the 2-year collection period.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that I-TF is used in popular foods in all 15 countries of the former Soviet Union. Therefore, these findings indicate a possible way for some reduction of the high coronary mortality rate in these countries.

Trans fatty acids in adipose tissue and risk of myocardial infarction: A case-cohort study

BACKGROUND

The risk of coronary heart disease associated with intake of individual trans fatty acids (TFAs) is not clear. Adipose tissue content of TFAs is a biomarker of TFA intake and metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the rate of myocardial infarction (MI) associated with the adipose tissue content of total 18:1t, isomers of 18:1t (18:1 Δ6-10t and 18:1 Δ11t) and 18:2 Δ9c, 11t.

METHODS

A case-cohort study, nested within the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort (n = 57,053), was conducted, which included a random sample (n = 3156) of the total cohort and all incident MI cases (n = 2148) during follow-up (14 years). Information on MI cases was obtained by linkage with nationwide registers and validated. Adipose tissue was taken from the participants buttocks and the fatty acid composition was determined by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

Women with higher adipose tissue content of total 18:1t had a 57% higher MI rate (quintiles 5 versus 1, hazard ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.20; P-trend = 0.011) and women with higher content of 18:1 Δ6-10t had a 76% higher MI rate (quintiles 5 versus 1, hazard ratio, 1.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.51; P-trend = 0.002). No association between 18:1 Δ11t content and MI rate was observed. In men, no associations between adipose tissue content of total 18:1t and 18:1 Δ6-10t and MI rate were observed. However, men with higher content of 18:1 Δ11t had a 48% higher MI rate (quintiles 5 versus 1, hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-1.86; P-trend = 0.003). Adipose tissue content of 18:2 Δ9c, 11t was not associated with MI rate in women or men.

CONCLUSIONS

Adipose tissue content of 18:2 Δ9c, 11t was not associated with MI rate in women or men, whereas higher contents of isomers of 18:1t were associated with higher MI rates but the associations for individual 18:1t isomers differed, however, in women and men.

An evaluation of a public-private partnership to reduce artificial trans fatty acids in England, 2011-16

Background

The Public Health Responsibility Deal (RD) is a public-private partnership in England involving voluntary pledges between government, and business and other public organizations to improve public health. One such voluntary pledge refers to the reduction of trans fatty acids (TFAs) in the food supply in England by either pledging not to use artificial TFAs or pledging artificial TFA removal. This paper evaluates the RD's effectiveness at encouraging signatory organizations to remove artificially produced TFAs from their products.

Methods

We analysed publically available data submitted by RD signatory organizations. We analysed their plans and progress towards achieving the TFAs pledge, comparing 2015 progress reports against their delivery plans. We also assessed the extent to which TFAs reductions beyond pre-2011 levels could be attributed to the RD.

Results

Voluntary reformulation via the RD has had limited added value, because the first part of the trans fat pledge simply requires organizations to confirm that they do not use TFAs and the second part, that has the potential to reduce use, has failed to attract the participation of food producers, particularly those producing fast foods and takeaways, where most remaining use of artificial TFAs is located.

Conclusions

The contribution of the RD TFAs pledges in reducing artificial TFAs from England's food supply beyond pre-2011 levels appears to be negligible. This research has wider implications for the growing international evidence base voluntary food policy, and offers insights for other countries currently undertaking work to remove TFAs from their food supply.

Serum Conjugated Linoleic Acid and Risk of Incident Heart Failure in Older Men: The British Regional Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Evidence largely from animal studies suggests that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) may have cardiovascular health benefits. However, few prospective studies have examined the association between CLA and cardiovascular disease. We have prospectively examined the association between serum CLA and incident coronary heart disease and heart failure (HF) in older men.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Prospective study of 3806 men, aged 60 to 79 years, without prevalent HF followed up for an average of 13 years, during which there were 295 incident HF cases. A high-throughput serum nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics platform was used to measure CLA concentration in serum, expressed as a percentage of total fatty acids (CLA%). CLA% was adversely associated with cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol but was inversely associated with C-reactive protein and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide; a marker of ventricular stress). No association was seen between CLA% and incident coronary heart disease. High CLA% was associated with significantly reduced risk of HF after adjustment for HF risk factors and C-reactive protein (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.64 [0.43-0.96]; quartile 4 versus quartile 1). Elevated CLA% was associated with reduced HF risk only in those with higher dairy fat intake, a major dietary source of CLA (test for interaction P=0.03). The reduced risk of HF was partially explained by NT-proBNP. High dairy fat intake was not associated with incident coronary heart disease but was associated with reduced risk of HF, largely because of the inverse effect of CLA.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding that high CLA% is associated with lower risk of incident HF in older men requires confirmation in larger studies.

Milk fat components with potential anticancer activity-a review

During many years, the milk fat has been unfairly undervalued due to its association with higher levels of cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidaemia or obesity, among others. However, currently, this relationship is being re-evaluated because some of the dairy lipid components have been attributed potential health benefits. Due to this, and based on the increasing incidence of cancer in our society, this review work aims to discuss the state of the art concerning scientific evidence of milk lipid components and reported anticancer properties. Results from the in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that specific fatty acids (FA) (as butyric acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), among others), phospholipids and sphingolipids from milk globule membrane are potential anticarcinogenic agents. However, their mechanism of action remains still unclear due to limited and inconsistent findings in human studies.

Trans-Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: Urgent Need for Legislation

Hydrogenated oils containing trans-fatty acids (TFA) are used to produce margarine and various processed foods. TFA affect serum lipid levels, fatty acid metabolism, and endothelial function. High TFA intake is linked to increased all-cause mortality, coronary heart disease mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence. Denmark was the first country to introduce a law that limited TFA content in food; this action led to lower CVD mortality. So far 7 European countries have followed this practice, in a few others the food industry voluntarily reduced TFA use. The issue remains mostly unaddressed in the rest of the world. Legal TFA limits should be commonly established as they are the optimal solution considering both CVD prevention and the associated cost savings in public healthcare.