Severity of metabolic syndrome unfavorably influences oxidative stress and fatty acid metabolism in men

FADS Polymorphisms Affect the Clinical and Biochemical Phenotypes of Metabolic Syndrome

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) play important roles in human health, from controlling inflammation to lipid and glucose homeostasis. In our previous study, which employed a cluster analysis of a plasma fatty acid (FA) pattern, we identified two clusters of metabolic syndrome (MetS) independent of clinical and biochemical parameters within the whole study group (controls together with metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients). FA desaturase (FADS) genes are the key regulators of LC-PUFA metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyze associations between FADS polymorphisms and clusters of MetS. The study group consisted of 188 controls and 166 patients with MetS. The first cluster contained 71 controls (CON1) and 109 MetS patients (MetS1). The second cluster consisted of 117 controls (CON2) and 57 MetS patients (MetS2). In comparison with MetS2, cluster MetS1 displayed a more adverse risk profile. Cluster CON1 had, in comparison with CON2, higher body weight and increased triacylglycerol levels (p < 0.05). We found that the FADS rs174537 (p < 0.001), rs174570 (p < 0.01), and rs174602 (p < 0.05) polymorphisms along with two inferred haplotypes had statistically significant genotype associations with the splitting of MetS into MetS1 and MetS2. Conversely, we observed no significant differences in the distribution of FADS polymorphisms between MetS and CON subjects, or between CON1 and CON2. These associations between FADS polymorphisms and two clusters of MetS (differing in waist circumference, HOMA-IR, lipolysis, and oxidative stress) implicate the important influence of genetic factors on the phenotypic manifestation of MetS.

Altered Indices of Fatty Acid Elongases ELOVL6, ELOVL5, and ELOVL2 Activities in Patients with Impaired Fasting Glycemia

Background: Dysregulation of fatty acids (FA) seems to participate in the pathogenesis of disorders such as metabolic syndrome (MetS), cardiovascular diseases, or some cancers. Activities of enzymes FA desaturases and elongases [elongation of very long-chain fatty acid (ELOVL)] significantly influence FA profile in different body compartments. Although the impact of activities of desaturases on cardiometabolic diseases was broadly studied, relatively little attention was devoted to the role of elongases. Methods: Case-control study was carried out in 36 patients (18 men/18 women) with impaired fasting glycemia (IFG) without MetS and 36 age and gender-matched healthy controls. FA profiles in plasma phospholipids (PL) were assessed using gas chromatograph-flame ionization detector and indices of desaturase and elongase activities were calculated. Results: In the IFG group, we observed decreased estimated activities of ELOVL2 and ELOVL5, whereas higher estimated activities of elongase ELOVL6 were noted. IFG group was also characterized by altered composition of plasma PL FA, above all by lower percentage of cis-vaccenic acid (cVA; 18:1n-7) and of total polyunsaturated FA n-6, especially linoleic acid, and by higher proportion of stearic acid and gamma-linolenic acid. Concurrently, elevated estimated activities of desaturases delta-9-desaturase (D9D), D6D were found. Conclusions: Lower estimated activities of ELOVL2 and ELOVL5 with lowered proportion of PL cVA could be associated with disturbances of glucose homeostasis development and their corresponding indices could serve as biomarkers of such risk.

Plasma Phosphatidylcholines Fatty Acids in Men with Squamous Cell Esophageal Cancer: Chemoradiotherapy Improves Abnormal Profile

BACKGROUND Abnormal metabolism of fatty acids (FA) is considered to play a role in human cancers, including esophageal cancer (EC). Nevertheless, there have been only a few studies dealing with the influence of the chemotherapy or radiotherapy on the plasma FA profiles. In this work we compared FA in plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC) of the patients with squamous EC and healthy subjects and investigated changes in the FA spectrum during neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty-two men with squamous EC were compared with age-matched healthy controls. The EC group was subjected to concurrent neoadjuvant CRT. We analyzed FA in plasma PC before and after CRT. RESULTS The EC group was characterized by increased levels of both saturated and monounsaturated FA, associated with an increased index of SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1). Moreover, decreased levels of linoleic acid and total polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) n-6 were found in EC patients. The CRT was accompanied by increased docosahexaenoic acid and total PUFA n-3 content in plasma PC, concurrently with the decrease of estimated activity of SCD1. CONCLUSIONS We found that patients with EC had altered FA profile in plasma PC, which could be related to abnormal FA metabolism in cancer (e.g., altered synthesis de novo, b-oxidation, desaturation, and elongation). The described changes in FA profiles during CRT could be involved in favorable functioning of CRT. Further studies investigating the plasma FA compositions and their changes due to CRT in EC patients are warranted.

Chronic pancreatitis and the composition of plasma phosphatidylcholine fatty acids

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an irreversible inflammatory disorder characterized by the destruction of both exocrine and endocrine tissue. There is growing evidence that dysregulation of fatty acid (FA) metabolism is connected with many diseases; however, there are few data concerning FA composition in CP. Therefore, we analyzed FA profiles in plasma phosphatidylcholines in 96 patients with CP and in 108 control subjects (CON). The patients with CP had, in comparison with CON, increased sum of monounsaturated FA (ΣMUFA) and decreased content of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) in both n-6 and n-3 families. Moreover, CP patients had increased indexes for delta-9, delta-6 desaturases, and fall in activity of delta-5 desaturase. Increased ratio of 16:1n-7/18:2n-6 (marker of essential n-6 FA deficiency), was more prevalent among CP patients. These changes implicated decreased fat intake, including n-3 as well as n-6 PUFA, and intrinsic changes in FA metabolism due to the alteration of delta desaturase activities.

Association of Plasma Lipids Fatty Acid Composition With Metabolic Profile of Czech Adolescents

Obesity in childhood increases the risk of obesity in adulthood and is predictive for the development of metabolic disorders. The fatty acid composition is associated with obesity and obesity-associated disorders. We investigated the relationship between serum fatty acids composition, adiposity, lipids profile, parameters of glucose metabolism and leptin. The study subjects were 380 adolescents aged 15.0-17.9 years. The study's variables included anthropometric measurements, levels of serum lipids and hormonal parameters. Individual fatty acids were determined in plasma by gas-liquid chromatography. Palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7, PA) significantly positively correlated with percentage of body fat. Saturated fatty acids in phospholipids (PL) positively correlated with BMI and percentage of body fat. PA content in all lipids classes positively correlated with total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) levels. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) activity positively correlated with percentage of body fat and positive correlations of SCD and PA level with leptin were found. Plasma PA content and SCD are associated with adiposity and leptin in obese adolescents. No significant correlation between PA level and insulin resistance was found. Palmitoleate positively correlated with TC, HDL cholesterol, TG and LDL cholesterol levels.

Fatty Acid Composition Indicates Two Types of Metabolic Syndrome Independent of Clinical and Laboratory Parameters

Dietary composition and metabolism of fatty acids (FA) influence insulin resistance, atherogenic dyslipidemia and other components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). It is known that patients with MS exhibit a heterogeneous phenotype; however, the relationships of individual FA to MS components have not yet been consistently studied. We examined the plasma phosphatidylcholine FA composition of 166 individuals (68F/98M) with MS and of 188 (87F/101M) controls. Cluster analysis of FA divided the groups into two clusters. In cluster 1, there were 65.7 % of MS patients and 37.8 % of controls, cluster 2 contained 34.3 % of patients and 62.2 % of controls (P<0.001). Those with MS within cluster 1 (MS1) differed from individuals with MS in cluster 2 (MS2) by concentrations of glucose (P<0.05), NEFA (P<0.001), HOMA-IR (P<0.05), and levels of conjugated dienes in LDL (P<0.05). The FA composition in MS1 group differed from MS2 by higher contents of palmitoleic (+30 %), g-linolenic (+22 %), dihomo-g-linolenic (+9 %) acids and by a lower content of linoleic acid (–25 %) (all P<0.01). These FA patterns are supposed to be connected with the progression and/or impaired biochemical measures of MS (lipolysis, oxidative stress, dysglycidemia, and insulin resistance).

Effects of oxidative stress on fatty acid- and one-carbon-metabolism in psychiatric and cardiovascular disease comorbidity

OBJECTIVE

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in severe psychiatric disorders (depression, schizophrenia). Here, we provide evidence of how the effects of oxidative stress on fatty acid (FA) and one-carbon (1-C) cycle metabolism, which may initially represent adaptive responses, might underlie comorbidity between CVD and psychiatric disorders.

METHOD

We conducted a literature search and integrated data in a narrative review.

RESULTS

Oxidative stress, mainly generated in mitochondria, is implicated in both psychiatric and cardiovascular pathophysiology. Oxidative stress affects the intrinsically linked FA and 1-C cycle metabolism: FAs decrease in chain length and unsaturation (particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated FAs), and lipid peroxidation products increase; the 1-C cycle shifts from the methylation to transsulfuration pathway (lower folate and higher homocysteine and antioxidant glutathione). Interestingly, corresponding alterations were reported in psychiatric disorders and CVD. Potential mechanisms through which FA and 1-C cycle metabolism may be involved in brain (neurocognition, mood regulation) and cardiovascular system functioning (inflammation, thrombosis) include membrane peroxidizability and fluidity, eicosanoid synthesis, neuroprotection and epigenetics.

CONCLUSION

While oxidative-stress-induced alterations in FA and 1-C metabolism may initially enhance oxidative stress resistance, persisting chronically, they may cause damage possibly underlying (co-occurrence of) psychiatric disorders and CVD. This might have implications for research into diagnosis and (preventive) treatment of (CVD in) psychiatric patients.

Plasma fatty acid composition, estimated desaturase activities, and their relation with the metabolic syndrome in a population at high risk of cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clustering of various metabolic abnormalities which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Due to its increasing prevalence, it has become an important public health concern. Altered fatty acid (FA) composition and desaturase activities have been associated with several metabolic diseases, including MetS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of the plasma FA profile and desaturase activities with the MetS in a Mediterranean population at high risk of CVD.

METHODS

Baseline data from 427 participants aged 55-80 years who took part in the interventional PREDIMED study were obtained. Individual FA was determined in plasma and desaturase activities were estimated from product/precursor ratios. Odds ratios (OR) and partial correlation coefficients were used to examine these relations with MetS and its components, respectively.

RESULTS

We found higher levels of C14:0, C16:0, C16:1n-7, estimated Δ(9)- or stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), and estimated Δ(6) desaturase (D6D), and lower levels of C18:2n-6 in people with MetS compared to those without it. After adjustment for several confounders, only higher quartiles of C14:0, C16:0, C16:1n-7, and D6D were found to be associated with an increasing prevalence of MetS, while higher quartiles of C18:2n-6 were inversely associated with MetS. High proportions of C14:0, C16:0, C16:1n-7, C20:3n-6, SCD, and D6D, and decreased proportions of C18:2n-6 and estimated Δ(5)-desaturase (D5D) were associated with adverse profiles of several metabolic risk factors. Women showed more unhealthy FA pattern and lipid profiles than men, but only among those with MetS.

CONCLUSION

A FA composition and estimated desaturase activities consisting in high levels of SFA, SCD and D6D, and low levels of PUFA and D5D are associated with increased MetS probability and are characteristic of people presenting MetS, especially women. These findings support those observed in non-Mediterranean populations in which an altered FA profile and estimated desaturase activities are associated with MetS.

Plasma fatty acid composition in patients with pancreatic cancer: correlations to clinical parameters

Pancreatic cancer (PC) ranks as the fourth cause of cancer-related deaths in the Czech Republic. Evidence exists that deregulation of fatty acid (FA) metabolism is connected with some malignancies; therefore, we decided to analyze FA profile in plasma lipid classes in patients with PC with relation to tumor staging, nutritional status, and survival. The study included 84 patients (47 males, 37 females) with PC and 68 controls (36 males, 32 females). FA patterns were analyzed in plasma lipid classes by gas-chromatography. We observed increased proportion of total monounsaturated FA (MUFA) in PC group in all plasma lipid classes. These changes were connected with increased Δ9-desaturase (SCD1) and Δ5-desaturase indices. Correlations of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DHGLA) with these variables were opposite. Longer survival of patients was connected with higher content of EPA, DHA, and with lower SCD1 index, respectively. Plasma phospholipid proportions of α-linolenic acid, DHGLA, EPA, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids displayed negative trend with tumor staging. Plasma lipid FA pattern in PC patients resulted from decreased dietary fat intake and increased de novo synthesis of FA with transformation into MUFA. Changes in FA profile implicated some pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for disturbed FA metabolism in PC and importance of appropriate nutritional support.

Altered activities of antioxidant enzymes in patients with metabolic syndrome

OBJECTIVE

In the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), an increase of oxidative stress could play an important role which is closely linked with insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation. The aim of our study was to assess several parameters of the antioxidant status in MetS.

METHODS

40 subjects with MetS and 40 age- and sex-matched volunteers without MetS were examined for activities of superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), glutathione reductase (GR), paraoxonase1 (PON1), concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH), and conjugated dienes in low-density lipoprotein (CD-LDL).

RESULTS

Subjects with MetS had higher activities of CuZnSOD (p < 0.05) and GR (p < 0.001), higher concentrations of CD-LDL (p < 0.001), lower activities of CAT (p < 0.05) and PON1 (p < 0.05), and lower concentrations of GSH (p < 0.05), as compared with controls. Activity of GPX1 was not significantly changed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results implicated an increased oxidative stress in MetS and a decreased antioxidative defense that correlated with some laboratory (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)) and clinical (waist circumference, blood pressure) components of MetS.

Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue triglycerides after weight loss and weight maintenance: the DIOGENES study

Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue changes with weight loss. Palmitoleic acid as a possible marker of endogenous lipogenesis or its functions as a lipokine are under debate. Objective was to assess the predictive role of adipose triglycerides fatty acids in weight maintenance in participants of the DIOGENES dietary intervention study. After an 8-week low calorie diet (LCD) subjects with > 8 % weight loss were randomized to 5 ad libitum weight maintenance diets for 6 months: low protein (P)/low glycemic index (GI) (LP/LGI), low P/high GI (LP/HGI), high P/low GI (HP/LGI), high P/high GI (HP/HGI), and a control diet. Fatty acid composition in adipose tissue triglycerides was determined by gas chromatography in 195 subjects before the LCD (baseline), after LCD and weight maintenance. Weight change after the maintenance phase was positively correlated with baseline adipose palmitoleic (16:1n-7), myristoleic (14:1n-5) and trans-palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7t). Negative correlation was found with baseline oleic acid (18:1n-9). Lower baseline monounsaturated fatty acids (14:1n-5, 16:1n-7 and trans 16:1n-7) in adipose tissue triglycerides predict better weight maintenance. Lower oleic acid predicts lower weight decrease. These findings suggest a specific role of monounsaturated fatty acids in weight management and as weight change predictors.

Fatty acids as biocompounds: their role in human metabolism, health and disease: a review. part 2: fatty acid physiological roles and applications in human health and disease

BACKGROUND

This is the second of two review parts aiming at describing the major physiological roles of fatty acids, as well as their applications in specific conditions related to human health.

RESULTS

The review included the current literature published in Pubmed up to March 2011. In humans, fatty acids are a principle energy substrate and structural components of cell membranes (phospholipids) and second messengers. Fatty acids are also ligands of nuclear receptors affecting gene expression. Longer-chain (LC) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid are precursors of lipid mediators such as eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, thromboxanes), resolvins and neuroprotectins. Lipid mediators produced by EPA and DHA (LC n-3 PUFA; mainly found in oily fish) are considered as inflammation-resolving, and thus, fish oil has been characterised as antiinflammatory. Recommendations for EPA plus DHA intake from oily fish vary between 250-450 mg/day. Dietary reference values for fat vary between nutrition bodies, but mainly agree on a low total and saturated fat intake. The existing literature supports the protective effects of LC n-3 PUFA (as opposed to n-6 PUFA and saturated fat) in maternal and offspring health, cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, the metabolic syndrome, cancer, critically ill patients, and immune system disorders.

CONCLUSION

Fatty acids are involved in multiple pathways and play a major role in health. Further investigation and a nutrigenomics approach to the effects of these biocompounds on health and disease development are imperative and highlight the importance of environmental modifications on disease outcome.

The association between reactive oxygen metabolites and metabolic syndrome in asymptomatic Japanese men

Background

The association between the oxidative status and metabolic syndrome (MetS) should be studied in various populations with various oxidative stress-related markers. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the association between oxidative status, as assessed by the reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) test, and MetS in asymptomatic Japanese men, in relation to age.

Methods

The serum d-ROMs levels were measured in cardiovascular disease-free, non-smoking, non-medicated males (n = 140), who were divided into groups as follows: Group 1, < 60 years (n = 75, mean age 46 ± 9 [SD] years), and Group 2, ≥ 60 years (n = 65, mean 68 ± 6 years). The MetS was determined by the NCEP-ATP recommendations with minor modifications for a Japanese population.

Results

There was no significant difference in the d-ROMs levels between the subjects with and without MetS in Group 2 (≥ 60 years), but the subjects with MetS (n = 38, 324 ± 59 U. Curr.) exhibited significantly higher d-ROMs levels than those without MetS (n = 37, 290 ± 49 U. Curr., P < 0.01) in Group 1 (< 60 years). These differences did not change even after adjustments for basic confounders.

Conclusions

These results suggest that oxidative status, as assessed by the d-ROMs, can be enhanced among asymptomatic younger, but not older, Japanese males with MetS. Further studies are required to establish the observed associations.

Keywords

Oxidative stress; Reactive oxygen species; D-ROMs; Obesity; Metabolic syndrome

Plasma and erythrocyte fatty acid patterns in patients with recurrent depression: a matched case-control study

Background

The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of (nerve) cell membranes may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. Studies so far, focussed mainly on omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs. In the present study, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and PUFAs of the omega-3, -6 and -9 series in plasma and erythrocytes of patients with recurrent major depressive disorder (MDD-R) were compared with controls.

Methodology and Principal Findings

We carried out a case-control study. The sample consisted of 137 patients with MDD-R and 65 matched non-depressed controls. In plasma and erythrocytes of patients with MDD-R the concentrations of most of the SFAs and MUFAs, and additionally erythrocyte PUFAs, all with a chain length >20 carbon (C) atoms, were significantly lower than in the controls. In contrast, the concentrations of most of the shorter chain members (≤18C) of the SFAs and MUFAs were significantly higher in the patients. Estimated activities of several elongases in plasma of patients were significantly altered, whereas delta-9 desaturase activity for C14∶0 and C18∶0 was significantly higher.

Conclusions/Significance

The fatty acid status of patients with MDD-R not only differs with regard to omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs, but also concerns other fatty acids. These alterations may be due to: differences in diet, changes in synthesizing enzyme activities, higher levels of chronic (oxidative) stress but may also result from adaptive strategies by providing protection against enhanced oxidative stress and production of free radicals.

Antioxidative enzymes and increased oxidative stress in depressive women

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the activities of the main antioxidative enzymes and oxidative stress in women with depressive disorder (DD).

METHODS

In 35 drug-naive women with DD and 35 age matched healthy women enzymes superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX1), glutathione reductase (GR) and paraoxonase (PON1), concentrations of conjugated dienes (CD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and anthropometric and clinical data were investigated.

RESULTS

Women with DD were found to have decreased activities of GPX1 (p<0.05), decreased concentrations of GSH (p<0.05), and increased activities of GR (p<0.05), CuZnSOD (p<0.001), and concentrations of CD (p<0.05). Activity of GPX1 was positively correlated with concentration of GSH (p<0.05). Concentrations of CD were positively correlated with TG (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our set of depressive women was characterized by changes indicating an increased oxidative stress, as well as by certain features of metabolic syndrome.