Characterization of two Agrostis-Festuca alpine pastures and their influence on cheese composition

Recently, there has been a renewed interest in mountain farming, and several studies have been carried out on milk and cheese obtained in the unique environmental conditions of the Alps, a 1300 km mountain chain, located in the north of Italy. In this paper, the influence, on some cheese constituents, of two very similar mountain grasslands, both dominated by Festuca - Agrostis , was investigated. The two pastures were located in the same area in the southeastern Italian alpine region and differed in sunshine orientation and exposure. Milk obtained from cows grazing on these pastures was used to produce a semi-hard traditional cheese. The differences observed between the cheeses of the two areas for both some hydrocarbons (1-phytene and 2-phytene) and trans-fatty acids can be explained by a different rumen environment created by the botanical composition of the two pastures. The multidisciplinary approach can be considered a successful strategy, suitable for studying markers of authenticity.

Content and distribution of phytanic acid diastereomers in organic milk as affected by feed composition

Phytanic acid (PA) is a bioactive compound found in milk that is derived from the phytol chain of chlorophyll, and the content of PA in milk fat depends on the availability of phytol from feed. In this study, the content of PA diastereomers was analyzed in milk sampled from five organic herds twice during the grazing season (May and September). The total content of PA was higher in September compared to May, but was not affected by breed (Danish Holstein or Danish Jersey). Total PA could not be directly related to intake of green feed items. The distribution between diastereomers was closely related to the amount of grazed clovers, where a higher intake resulted in a higher share of the RRR isomer.

Phytol/Phytanic acid and insulin resistance: potential role of phytanic acid proven by docking simulation and modulation of biochemical alterations

Since activation of PPARγ is the main target for the antidiabetic effect of TZDs, especially when it heterodimerizes with RXR, we aimed to test the potential antidiabetic effect of phytol (250 mg/kg), the natural precursor of phytanic acid, a RXR ligand and/or pioglitazone (5 mg/kg) to diabetic insulin-resistant rats. Regarding the molecular docking simulation on PPARγ, phytanic acid, rather than phytol, showed a binding mode that mimics the crystal orientation of rosiglitazone and pioglitazone, forming H bonds with the same amino acids (S289, H 323, H 449 and Y 473), and the least energy level, which emphasizes their importance for PPARγ molecular recognition, activation, hence antidiabetic activity. In addition, docking on the RXRα/PPARγ heterodimer, revealed that phytanic acid has higher binding affinity and lesser energy score on RXRα, compared to the original ligand, retinoic acid. Phytanic acid binds by 3H bonds and shares retinoic acid in arginine (R 316). These results were further supported biochemically, where oral phytol and/or pioglitazone (5 mg/kg) improved significantly glucose homeostasis, lipid panel, raised serum adiponectin level and lowered TNF-α, reaching in most cases the effect of the 10 mg/kg pioglitazone. The study concluded that the insulin sensitizing/anti-diabetic effect of phytol is mediated by partly from activation of nuclear receptors and heterodimerization of RXR with PPARγ by phytanic acid.

Lanthanide phytanates: liquid-crystalline phase behavior, colloidal particle dispersions, and potential as medical imaging agents

Lanthanide salts of phytanic acid, an isoprenoid-type amphiphile, have been synthesized and characterized. Elemental analysis and FTIR spectroscopy were used to confirm the formed product and showed that three phytanate anions are complexed with one lanthanide cation. The physicochemical properties of the lanthanide phytanates were investigated using DSC, XRD, SAXS, and cross-polarized optical microscopy. Several of the hydrated salts form a liquid-crystalline hexagonal columnar mesophase at room temperature, and samarium(III) phytanate forms this phase even in the absence of water. Select lanthanide phytanates were dispersed in water, and cryo-TEM images indicate that some structure has been retained in the dispersed phase. NMR relaxivity measurements were conducted on these systems. It has been shown that a particulate dispersion of gadolinium(III) phytanate displays proton relaxivity values comparable to those of a commercial contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging and a colloidal dispersion of europium(III) phytanate exhibits the characteristics of a fluorescence imaging agent.

Biochemical and structural characterization of CYP124: a methyl-branched lipid omega-hydroxylase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) produces a variety of methyl-branched lipids that serve important functions, including modulating the immune response during pathogenesis and contributing to a robust cell wall that is impermeable to many chemical agents. Here, we report characterization of Mtb CYP124 (Rv2266) that includes demonstration of preferential oxidation of methyl-branched lipids. Spectrophotometric titrations and analysis of reaction products indicate that CYP124 tightly binds and hydroxylates these substrates at the chemically disfavored omega-position. We also report X-ray crystal structures of the ligand-free and phytanic acid-bound protein at a resolution of 1.5 A and 2.1 A, respectively, which provide structural insights into a cytochrome P450 with predominant omega-hydroxylase activity. The structures of ligand-free and substrate-bound CYP124 reveal several differences induced by substrate binding, including reorganization of the I helix and closure of the active site by elements of the F, G, and D helices that bind the substrate and exclude solvent from the hydrophobic active site cavity. The observed regiospecific catalytic activity suggests roles of CYP124 in the physiological oxidation of relevant Mtb methyl-branched lipids. The enzymatic specificity and structures reported here provide a scaffold for the design and testing of specific inhibitors of CYP124.

Alpha-Oxidation

Phytanic acid (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid) is a branched chain fatty acid, which is a constituent of the human diet. The presence of the 3-methyl group of phytanic acid prevents degradation by beta-oxidation. Instead, the terminal carboxyl group is first removed by alpha-oxidation. The mechanism of the alpha-oxidation pathway and the enzymes involved are described in this review.

Brain pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes are mitochondrial targets of the CoA ester of the Refsum disease marker phytanic acid

Pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complexes are strongly inhibited by phytanoyl-CoA (IC(50) approximately 10(-6)-10(-7) M). Palmitoyl-CoA is 10-fold less potent. Phytanic or palmitic acids have no inhibitory effect up to 0.3 mM. At the substrate saturation, the acyl-CoA's affect the first and second enzymatic components of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex, while the third component is inhibited only at a low saturation with its substrate dihydrolipoamide. Thus, key regulatory branch points of mitochondrial metabolism are targets of a cellular derivative of phytanic acid. Decreased activity of the complexes might therefore contribute to neurological symptoms upon accumulation of phytanic acid in Refsum disease.

Rotenone-like action of the branched-chain phytanic acid induces oxidative stress in mitochondria

Phytanic acid (Phyt) increase is associated with the hereditary neurodegenerative Refsum disease. To elucidate the still unclear toxicity of Phyt, mitochondria from brain and heart of adult rats were exposed to free Phyt. Phyt at low micromolar concentrations (maximally: 100 nmol/mg of protein) enhances superoxide (O(2)(.))(2) generation. Phyt induces O(2)(.) in state 3 (phosphorylating), as well as in state 4 (resting). Phyt stimulates O(2)(.) generation when the respiratory chain is fed with electrons derived from oxidation of glutamate/malate, pyruvate/malate, or succinate in the presence of rotenone. With succinate alone, Phyt suppresses O(2)(.) generation caused by reverse electron transport from succinate to complex I. The enhanced O(2)(.) generation by Phyt in state 4 is in contrast to the mild uncoupling concept. In this concept uncoupling by nonesterified fatty acids should abolish O(2)(.) generation. Stimulation of O(2)(.) generation by Phyt is paralleled by inhibition of the electron transport within the respiratory chain or electron leakage from the respiratory chain. The interference of Phyt with the electron transport was demonstrated by inhibition of state 3- and p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone (FCCP)-dependent respiration, inactivation of the NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase complex in permeabilized mitochondria, decrease in reduction of the synthetic electron acceptor 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide in state 4, and increase of the mitochondrial NAD(P)H level in FCCP-uncoupled mitochondria. Thus, we suggest that complex I is the main site of Phyt-stimulated O(2)(.) generation. Furthermore, inactivation of aconitase and oxidation of the mitochondrial glutathione pool show that enhanced O(2)(.) generation with chronic exposure to Phyt causes oxidative damage.

Breakdown of 2-hydroxylated straight chain fatty acids via peroxisomal 2-hydroxyphytanoyl-CoA lyase: a revised pathway for the alpha-oxidation of straight chain fatty acids

2-Hydroxyfatty acids, constituents of brain cerebrosides and sulfatides, were previously reported to be degraded by an alpha-oxidation system, generating fatty acids shortened by one carbon atom. In the current study we used labeled and unlabeled 2-hydroxyoctadecanoic acid to reinvestigate the degradation of this class of lipids. Both in intact and broken cell systems formate was identified as a main reaction product. Furthermore, the generation of an n-1 aldehyde was demonstrated. In permeabilized rat hepatocytes and liver homogenates, studies on cofactor requirements revealed a dependence on ATP, CoA, Mg(2+), thiamine pyrophosphate, and NAD(+). Together with subcellular fractionation data and studies on recombinant enzymes, this led to the following picture. In a first step, the 2-hydroxyfatty acid is activated to an acyl-CoA; subsequently, the 2-hydroxy fatty acyl-CoA is cleaved by 2-hydroxyphytanoyl-CoA lyase, to formyl-CoA and an n-1 aldehyde. The severe inhibition of formate generation by oxythiamin treatment of intact fibroblasts indicates that cleavage through the thiamine pyrophosphate-dependent 2-hydroxyphytanoyl-CoA lyase is the main pathway for the degradation of 2-hydroxyfatty acids. The latter protein was initially characterized as an essential enzyme in the peroxisomal alpha-oxidation of 3-methyl-branched fatty acids such as phytanic acid. Our findings point to a new role for peroxisomes in mammals, i.e. the breakdown of 2-hydroxyfatty acids, at least the long chain 2-hydroxyfatty acids. Most likely, the more abundant very long chain 2-hydroxyfatty acids are degraded in a similar manner.

A novel assay for the prenatal diagnosis of Sjögren-Larsson syndrome

Sjögren-Larsson syndrome (SLS) is a metabolic disorder characterized by ichthyosis, mental retardation and spastic diplegia or tetraplegia. The biochemical defect has been identified as a deficiency of fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase (FALDH), which is part of an enzyme complex that converts fatty alcohols into fatty acids. Making use of the finding that FALDH is also involved in the degradation of phytol, we set up an enzymatic assay for the prenatal diagnosis of SLS in cultured chorionic villus fibroblasts (CVF) based on a deficiency in the conversion of phytol to phytenic acid. FALDH activity was assessed by incubating fibroblast homogenates with phytol in the presence of NAD+, followed by hexane extraction of the samples and quantification of phytenic acid production by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). FALDH activity could be detected in cultured CVF cells derived from control fetuses and the activity was found to be markedly deficient in cultured CVF cells derived from an affected SLS fetus. The new assay described in this paper has advantages over previous assays and we conclude that it may well contribute to the prenatal detection of SLS.

Phytanic acid alpha-oxidation, new insights into an old problem: a review

Phytanic acid (3,7,10,14-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid) is a branched-chain fatty acid which is known to accumulate in a number of different genetic diseases including Refsum disease. Due to the presence of a methyl-group at the 3-position, phytanic acid and other 3-methyl fatty acids can not undergo beta-oxidation but are first subjected to fatty acid alpha-oxidation in which the terminal carboxyl-group is released as CO(2). The mechanism of alpha-oxidation has long remained obscure but has been resolved in recent years. Furthermore, peroxisomes have been found to play an indispensable role in fatty acid alpha-oxidation, and the complete alpha-oxidation machinery is probably localized in peroxisomes. This Review describes the current state of knowledge about fatty acid alpha-oxidation in mammals with particular emphasis on the mechanism involved and the enzymology of the pathway.

Utilization of sterol carrier protein-2 by phytanoyl-CoA 2-hydroxylase in the peroxisomal alpha oxidation of phytanic acid

Since it possesses a 3-methyl group, phytanic acid is degraded by a peroxisomal alpha-oxidation pathway, the first step of which is catalyzed by phytanoyl-CoA 2-hydroxylase (PAHX). Mutations in human PAHX cause phytanic acid accumulations leading to Adult Refsum's Disease (ARD), which is also observed in a sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP-2)-deficient mouse model. Phytanoyl-CoA is efficiently 2-hydroxylated by PAHX in vitro in the presence of mature SCP-2. Other straight-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters were also 2-hydroxylated and the products isolated and characterized. Use of SCP-2 increases discrimination between straight-chain (e.g., hexadecanoyl-CoA) and branched-chain (e.g., phytanoyl-CoA) substrates by PAHX. The results explain the phytanic acid accumulation in the SCP-2-deficient mouse model and suggest that some of the common symptoms of ARD and other peroxisomal diseases may arise in part due to defects in SCP-2 function caused by increased phytanic acid levels.

Stereochemistry of the peroxisomal branched-chain fatty acid alpha- and beta-oxidation systems in patients suffering from different peroxisomal disorders

Phytanic acid (3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadecanoic acid) is a branched-chain fatty acid derived from dietary sources and broken down in the peroxisome to pristanic acid (2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecanoic acid) via alpha-oxidation. Pristanic acid then undergoes beta-oxidation in peroxisomes. Phytanic acid naturally occurs as a mixture of (3S,7R,11R)- and (3R,7R,11R)-diastereomers. In contrast to the alpha-oxidation system, peroxisomal beta-oxidation is stereospecific and only accepts (2S)-isomers. Therefore, a racemase called alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase is required to convert (2R)-pristanic acid into its (2S)-isomer. To further investigate the stereochemistry of the peroxisomal oxidation systems and their substrates, we have developed a method using gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the isomers of phytanic, pristanic, and trimethylundecanoic acid in plasma from patients with various peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation defects. In this study, we show that in plasma of patients with a peroxisomal beta-oxidation deficiency, the relative amounts of the two diastereomers of pristanic acid are almost equal, whereas in patients with a defect of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase, (2R)-pristanic acid is the predominant isomer. Furthermore, we show that in alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase deficiency, not only pristanic acid accumulates, but also one of the metabolites of pristanic acid, 2610-trimethylundecanoic acid, providing direct in vivo evidence for the requirement of this racemase for the complete degradation of pristanic acid.

Human metabolism of phytanic acid and pristanic acid

Phytanic acid is a methyl-branched fatty acid present in the human diet. Due to its structure, degradation by beta-oxidation is impossible. Instead, phytanic acid is oxidized by alpha-oxidation, yielding pristanic acid. Despite many efforts to elucidate the alpha-oxidation pathway, it remained unknown for more than 30 years. In recent years, the mechanism of alpha-oxidation as well as the enzymes involved in the process have been elucidated. The process was found to involve activation, followed by hydroxylase, lyase and dehydrogenase reactions. Part, if not all of the reactions were found to take place in peroxisomes. The final product of phytanic acid alpha-oxidation is pristanic acid. This fatty acid is degraded by peroxisomal beta-oxidation. After 3 steps of beta-oxidation in the peroxisome, the product is esterified to carnitine and shuttled to the mitochondrion for further oxidation. Several inborn errors with one or more deficiencies in the phytanic acid and pristanic degradation have been described. The clinical expressions of these disorders are heterogeneous, and vary between severe neonatal and often fatal symptoms and milder syndromes with late onset. Biochemically, these disorders are characterized by accumulation of phytanic and/or pristanic acid in tissues and body fluids. Several of the inborn errors involving phytanic acid and/or pristanic acid metabolism have been characterized on the molecular level.

Studies on phytanoyl-CoA 2-hydroxylase and synthesis of phytanoyl-coenzyme A

Phytanoyl-CoA 2-hydroxylase (PAHX), an iron(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenase, catalyses an essential step in the mammalian metabolism of beta-methylated fatty acids. Phytanoyl-CoA was synthesised and used to develop in vitro assays for PAHX. The product of the reaction was confirmed as 2-hydroxyphytanoyl-CoA by NMR and mass spectrometric analyses. In accord with in vivo analyses, hydroxylation of both 3R and 3S epimers of the substrate was catalysed by PAHX. Both pro- and mature- forms of PAHX were fully active.

Formation and characterization of planar lipid bilayer membranes from synthetic phytanyl-chained glycolipids

The formability, current-voltage characteristics and stability of the planar lipid bilayer membranes from the synthetic phytanyl-chained glycolipids, 1, 3-di-O-phytanyl-2-O-(beta-glycosyl)glycerols (Glc(Phyt)(2), Mal(N)(Phyt)(2)) were studied. The single bilayer membranes were successfully formed from the glycolipid bearing a maltotriosyl group (Mal(3)(Phyt)(2)) by the folding method among the synthetic glycolipids examined. The membrane conductance of Mal(3)(Phyt)(2) bilayers in 100 mM KCl solution was significantly lower than that of natural phospholipid, soybean phospholipids (SBPL) bilayers, and comparable to that of 1,2-diphytanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPhPC) bilayers. From the permeation measurements of lipophilic ions through Mal(3)(Phyt)(2) and DPhPC bilayers, it could be presumed that the carbonyl groups in glycerol backbone of the lipid molecule are not necessarily required for the total dipole potential barrier against cations in Mal(3)(Phyt)(2) bilayer. The stability of Mal(3)(Phyt)(2) bilayers against long-term standing and external electric field change was rather high, compared with SBPL bilayers. Furthermore, a preliminary experiment over the functional incorporation of membrane proteins was demonstrated employing the channel proteins derived from octopus retina microvilli vesicles. The channel proteins were functionally incorporated into Mal(3)(Phyt)(2) bilayers in the presence of a negatively charged glycolipid. From these observations, synthetic phytanyl-chained glycolipid bilayers are promising materials for reconstitution and transport studies of membrane proteins.

The chemoenzymatic synthesis of the core trisaccharide of N-linked oligosaccharides using a recombinant beta-mannosyltransferase

The chemical synthesis of the beta-mannosyl linkage of N-glycans has presented a great challenge to synthetic carbohydrate chemists. We have therefore investigated the application of beta-mannosyltransferases to the preparative synthesis N-linked core oligosaccharides. In this paper we report the chemoenzymatic synthesis of beta-D-mannopyranosyl-(1-->4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-->4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranose on a preparative scale using a phytanyl-linked acceptor in the presence of a recombinant beta-(1-->4)-mannosyltransferase.

Fatty acid signals in Bacillus megaterium are attenuated by cytochrome P-450-mediated hydroxylation

In previous publications [English, Hughes and Wolf (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 26836-26841; English, Hughes and Wolf (1996) Biochem. J. 316, 279-283], we have demonstrated that peroxisome proliferators and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are inducers of the cytochrome P-450BM-3 gene in Bacillus megaterium ATCC14581. Their mechanism of action involves binding to and subsequent displacement of the transcriptional repressor, Bm3R1, from its operator site, which results in the activation of cytochrome P-450BM-3 gene transcription. We now present evidence that the branched-chain fatty acid, phytanic acid, is a potent inducer of cytochrome P-450BM-3. We have also observed that phytanic acid and peroxisome proliferators are inducers of Bm3R1 protein accumulation and associated DNA-binding activity. In contrast, several barbiturates, although capable of inducing cytochrome P-450BM-3 and Bm3R1 gene transcription, were unable to induce the Bm3R1 protein. We also demonstrate that cytochrome P-450BM-3 readily oxidizes phytanic acid, and provide evidence that, although the omega-1 hydroxy acid derivatives of phytanic acid can associate with Bm3R1, they do so with an affinity two orders of magnitude lower than the unmodified fatty acid. As a consequence, the ability of the hydroxylated product to induce cytochrome P-450BM-3 gene expression in vivo is markedly reduced. These data collectively suggest that metabolism of fatty acids by cytochrome P-450BM-3 leads to an attenuation of their ability to activate the transcription of the BM-3 operon. This work places the action of bacterial fatty acid hydroxylases in an autoregulatory loop where they may be responsible for the inactivation or clearance of the inducing fatty acid signal.

alpha-Oxidation of 3-methyl-substituted fatty acids in rat liver. Production of formic acid instead of CO2, cofactor requirements, subcellular localization and formation of a 2-hydroxy-3-methylacyl-CoA intermediate

alpha-Oxidation of 3-methyl-substituted fatty acids in rat liver was studied in intact and permeabilized rat hepatocytes, and in homogenates and subcellular fractions. The experiments revealed that the primary end product of alpha-oxidation is formic acid, which is then converted to CO2. Rates of alpha-oxidation identical to those observed in intact hepatocytes were obtained in the permeabilized hepatocytes and liver homogenates when ATP, Mg2+ and CoA, and Fe2+, 2-oxoglutarate and ascorbate were added, suggesting that alpha-oxidation involves a fatty acid activation reaction and a dioxygenase reaction. Subcellular fractionation by differential and density gradient centrifugation demonstrated that alpha-oxidation is confined to peroxisomes, which produce formic acid that is converted to CO2, mainly in the cytosol. alpha-Oxidation in broken cell systems went hand in hand with the formation of a 2-hydroxy-3-methylacyl-CoA ester. Formation of the metabolite was strictly dependent on the presence of the above-mentioned cofactors, was confined to peroxisomes and was inhibited by fenoprofen and propyl gallate, inhibitors of alpha-oxidation in intact cells, indicating that the 2-hydroxyacyl-CoA ester is a bona fide intermediate of alpha-oxidation. Selective omission of cofactors from the reaction mixture and analysis of the incubation mixtures for 3-methyl fatty acids, 3-methyl fatty acyl-CoAs and their respective 2-hydroxy derivatives revealed that the activation reaction precedes the dioxygenase (hydroxylase) reaction. Our experiments demonstrate that alpha-oxidation is a peroxisomal process that consists of at least three reactions: fatty acid activation, hydroxylation and the reaction(s) involved in the release of formic acid.

[Refsum disease]

Refsum's disease, firstly described almost 50 years ago by the Norvegian neurologist Sigvald Refsum, is an autosomic recessive disease affecting mostly the Scandinavians and the populations originating from Northern Europe. The disease results from a specific enzyme deficiency of the first step of phytanic acid catabolism pathway. This deficiency leads to an accumulation of this C20 fatty acid in the serum and the tissues with a preference for adipose tissue, liver and kidneys. The clinical picture includes retinitis pigmentosa, peripheral neuropathy, ataxia and elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein concentration. Other less frequent manifestations include cranial nerves deficiency, myocardiopathy, renal tubular dysfunction and ichtyosis. The diagnosis relies on serum phytanic acid measurement. The treatment consists of a phytanic-acid free diet sometimes associated with plasmapheresis. This treatment is generally effective on neuropathy but not on cranial nerves dysfunction and retinitis pigmentosa.

In vivo study of phytanic acid alpha-oxidation in classic Refsum's disease and chondrodysplasia punctata

A series of in vivo experiments is described in which [1-13C]phytanic acid was given as an oral substrate to a healthy subject and two patients showing an impairment in phytanic acid degradation, one with Refsum's disease and one with chondrodysplasia punctata. After intake of the substrate by the control in a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, the production of 13CO2 was measured in exhaled breath air and the concomitant formation of labeled 2-hydroxyphytanic acid and of pristanic acid was demonstrated by plasma analysis. After application of a substrate dose of 1 mg/kg body weight to the control, no substantial amounts of 13CO2 were measured, whereas time-dependent analysis of labeled 2-hydroxyphytanic acid in plasma yielded a concentration curve superimposed upon the baseline value (0.2 mumol/L) of the unlabeled substance. Phytanic acid accumulated in plasma from the Refsum's disease patient [649 mumol/L, controls > 1 y (n = 100): < 10 mumol/L], whereas the pristanic acid concentration was within the control range [1.4 mumol/L, controls > 1 y (n = 100): < 3 mumol/L]. Low amounts of 2-hydroxyphytanic acid were found normally present [0.04 mumol/L, controls > 1 y (n = 11): < 0.2 mumol/L], and formation of labeled 2-hydroxyphytanic acid could not be demonstrated after ingestion of [1-13C]phytanic acid in a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight. In addition to phytanic acid accumulation (232 mumol/L), the chondrodysplasia punctata patient showed an elevated 2-hydroxyphytanic acid plasma concentration (0.4 mumol/L), whereas the plasma pristanic acid level was in the control range (0.7 mumol/L).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)