Branched-chain fatty acids affect the expression of fatty acid synthase and C-reactive protein genes in the hepatocyte cell line.

Fatty acids (FAs) are known to play an important role in human metabolism; however, still little is known about the functions of certain FA classes present in blood at relatively low concentrations. Examples of such compounds include branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs). Recently, lowered BCFAs blood concentration was noticed in obese patients. An inverse correlation was found between serum concentrations of BCFAs and triglyceride levels, as well as C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration. Obesity is the most frequently observed component of metabolic syndrome and both disorders are accompanied by the dysregulation of FAs metabolism. However, not all of them are well understood. Our study is the first attempt at presenting the opposite effects of an iso-BCFA (14-methylpentadecanoic acid, 14-MPA) and an anteiso-BCFA (12-methyltetradecanoic acid, 12-MTA) on selected genes related to fatty acid synthesis and inflammation: FASN, SREBP1, CRP, and IL-6 in the HepG2 cell line. We observed lowered expression of FASN, SREBP1, CRP, and IL-6 in cells treated with 14-MPA in comparison with control cells. In contrast, supplementation with 12-MTA caused opposite effects: increased mRNA levels of FASN, CRP, and IL-6. 12-MTA did not influence SREBP1 expression. The results of our preliminary study may suggest potential benefits of the supplementation of iso-BCFAs in obese patients, for inflammation and hypertriglyceridemia prevention.

Monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids: Health effects and biological mechanisms.

Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) are a group of lipids that are widely present in various organisms; they take part in numerous biochemical processes and affect multiple signaling pathways. However, BCFA are not well explored in terms of their effects on human health. Recently, they have been gaining interest, especially in relation to various human diseases. This review describes the occurrence of BCFA, their dietary sources, their potential health effects, and the current state of knowledge concerning their mechanism(s) of action. Many studies have been conducted so far in cellular and animal models, which reveal potent anti-cancer, lipid lowering, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions. Research in humans is scarce. Therefore, further studies on animals and humans should be performed to confirm and expand these findings, and improve our understanding of the potential relevance of BCFA to human health and disease.