Trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid increases triacylglycerol accumulation in goat mammary epithelial cells in vitro.

Trans10, cis12 conjugated linoleic acid (t10c12-CLA) is well-established in decreasing milk fat content and causing milk fat depression (MFD) in dairy cattle and goats. However, the detailed mechanisms of its effect are not completely understood. Therefore, we used goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) to further study the molecular mechanisms whereby t10c12-CLA regulates milk fat synthesis. The optimal concentration of t10c12-CLA (100 µmol/L) for cell culture was determined through a cell vitality and morphology assay, and evaluation of abundance of apoptosis-related proteins. Oil red O stain indicated that t10c12-CLA increased concentration of cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Furthermore, t10c12-CLA increased the intracellular triacylglycerol (TG) content (P < 0.05). Among 16 genes related to lipid metabolism that were measured by quantitative real-time PCR, t10c12-CLA down-regulated (P < 0.05) genes involved in de novo fatty acid synthesis including FASN, ACACA and SCD1, and also down-regulated the protein expression of FASN and SCD1 but up-regulated (P < 0.05) the expression of CD36 and ADRP. Overall, the data indicate that a side effect of de novo fatty acid synthesis inhibition by t10c12-CLA is the up-regulation of fatty acid uptake and accumulation of lipid droplets in GMECs. The biologic reason for such an effect merits further study.

Conjugated linoleic acid: A potent fatty acid linked to animal and human health.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of isomers of linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6), which is mostly found in the ruminant meat and dairy products. The CLA is known to have many potential health benefits, and considered a potent powerful fatty acid, which is linked to animal and human health. The present work aims to discuss the source and production, mechanism of action, and effects of CLA on humans, poultry, and ruminants by reviewing the recent studies carried out on CLA. Despite most of the recent studies indicating beneficial effects of CLA on improving body weight control parameters, its effects on reducing risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), inflammation, blood glucose, and insulin are still controversial, and need to be further studied in different hosts.

Health benefits of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of positional and geometric (cis or trans) isomers of linoleic acid with a conjugated double bond. The most representative CLA isomers are 9c,11t-18:2 and 10t,12c-18:2. CLA has been shown to exert various potent physiological functions such as anticarcinogenic, antiobese, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties. This means CLA can be effective to prevent lifestyle diseases or metabolic syndromes. Also, reports suggest that physiological effects of CLA are different between the isomers, for example the 10t,12c isomer is anticarcinogenic, antiobese and antidiabetic, whereas the 9c,11t isomer is mainly anticarcinogenic. We describe here the physiological properties of CLA including the possible mechanism and the possibility to benefit human health.

Implications of chemokines, chemokine receptors, and inflammatory lipids in atherosclerosis.

Chemokines are a diverse group of molecules with important implications for the development of solid tissues and normal function of the immune system. However, change of the conditions for such a complex system can have important and dangerous consequences leading to diseases. The specific implications of the various chemokines in diseases have been elucidated in the last few years, prompting hope of manipulating this system for therapy or prevention of diseases. On the other hand, inflammatory lipids are biologically active molecules with crucial impacts on the function of various cell types, including immune cells in health and disease. Here, we describe how these lipids affect the chemokine system and how they interact with chemokines to shape chronic inflammation in the case of atherosclerosis.

HDL inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress by stimulating apoE and CETP secretion from lipid-loaded macrophages.

The role of HDL in the modulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in macrophage-derived foam cells is not completely understood. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether HDL may inhibit ER stress in correlation with the secretion of apoE and CETP from lipid-loaded macrophages. To this purpose, THP-1 macrophages were loaded with lipids by incubation with human oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and then exposed to human HDL3. ER stress signaling markers, protein kinase/Jun-amino-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK p54/p46) and eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (eIF2α), as well as the secreted apoE and CETP, were evaluated by immunoblot analysis. Out of the many different bioactive lipids of oxLDL, we tested the effect of 9-hydroxy-octadecadienoic acid (9-HODE) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) on ER stress. Tunicamycin was used as positive control for ER stress induction. Results showed that oxLDL, 9-HODE and 4-HNE induce ER stress in human macrophages by activation of eIF-2α and SAPK/JNK (p54/p46) signaling pathways. OxLDL stimulated apoE and CETP secretion, while tunicamycin determined a reduction of the secreted apoE and CETP, both in control and lipid-loaded macrophages. The addition of HDL3 to the culture medium of tunicamycin-treated cells induced: (i) the reduction of ER stress, expressed as decreased levels of eIF-2α and SAPK/JNK, and (ii) a partial recovery of the secreted apoE and CETP levels in lipid-loaded macrophages. These data suggest a new mechanism by which HDL3 diminish ER stress and stimulate cholesterol efflux from lipid-loaded macrophages.

Factors influencing the differentiation of bovine preadipocytes in vitro.

Our objectives were to isolate bovine stromal-vascular cells using explants and to determine media components that promote differentiation into mature adipocytes for studies of lipogenic enzyme regulation. Stromal-vascular cells were grown from explants and treated with differentiation media for 8 d after reaching confluence. Differentiation was assessed by measuring radiolabeled acetate incorporation into lipids, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, and the mRNA expression of fatty acid binding protein-4, PPAR-gamma, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-alpha (ACCalpha). After 8 d of differentiation, medium containing 10 microg/mL of insulin, 0.25 microM dexamethasone, 0.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine, 1 mM octanoate, and 2% Intralipid (Fisher Scientific, Suwanee, GA) produced greater acetate incorporation (P < 0.001) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.001) compared with other media tested. This differentiation medium also increased mRNA expression of fatty acid binding protein-4, PPARgamma, and ACCalpha by 180-, 7-, and 3-fold, respectively, compared with undifferentiated control cells (P < 0.05). To further improve the differentiation protocol, the effects of Intralipid, rosiglitazone, and troglitazone were examined. Removal of 2% Intralipid did not improve any differentiation measures. Addition of rosiglitazone (1 microM), a PPAR-gamma agonist, increased acetate incorporation and ACCalpha mRNA (P < 0.01). Addition of troglitazone (5 microM), another PPAR-gamma agonist, increased acetate incorporation to a similar extent as rosiglitazone and produced the greatest expression of ACCalpha mRNA (P < 0.01), but was not superior to medium that included rosiglitazone for any other differentiation measures. Cell-seeding density influences the cell divisions required to reach confluence, and increased plating density (2 x 10(4) cells/cm(2) vs. 6.7 x 10(3) cells/cm(2)) increased acetate incorporation by 100% (P < 0.001). Differentiating stromal-vascular cells in the presence of trans-10, cis-12 CLA inhibited differentiation of stromal-vascular cells into mature adipocytes, reducing radiolabeled acetate incorporation into lipids (P < 0.001), stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 mRNA (P < 0.05) and protein abundance (P < 0.05), and ACCalpha protein abundance (P < 0.05). We have developed a method to differentiate primary bovine adipocytes, which will allow us to study the regulation of lipogenic enzymes by nutrient and endocrine factors.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA): effect modulation of body composition and lipid profile.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) refers to a family of polyunsaturated fatty acids, being represented by a group of isomers of linoleic acid called conjugated for having a double bound after a simple bound. Among its isomers, trans-10,cis-12 and cis-9, cis-12 CLA stand out. These isomers can lead to different effects on the body: anticarcinogenic, antidiabetogenic, antiatherogenesis and positive body composition alteration. The objective of this review is to describe their mechanisms of action, effects on body composition, on plasmatic lipoproteins and supplementation. Studies about CLA supplementation show its capacity of reducing fat percentage, body mass and of promoting an improvement in lipid metabolism. One of the adverse effects attributed to one of the isomers is insulin resistance by body fat redistribution. Limitations in the scientific models used in CLA researches make impossible to draw conclusions about the action of this fatty acid on human metabolism.

Functional lipids and the prevention of the metabolic syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome is increasingly prevalent in worldwide. The quality and quantity of dietary lipids could be important modulators associated with the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. At present, functional lipids such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and phospholipids have attracted considerable attention because of their beneficial biological effects in attenuating metabolic syndrome. Supplementation of CLA reduces abdominal white adipose tissues, serum triacylglycerol (TAG) level, and liver TAG level in obese Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty OLETF rats. These effects were attributed to enhanced fatty acid beta-oxidation and suppressed fatty acid synthesis in the liver. In addition, CLA enhanced energy expenditure in these rats. Anti-hypertensive properties of CLA have also been demonstrated. In obese/diabetic OLETF and Zucker rats, feeding of CLA prevented the development of obesity-induced hypertension. This was associated with an altered production of physiologically active adipocytokines, such as adiponectin, leptin and angiotensinogen. In addition, CLA could alleviate the development of insulin resistance and fatty liver. Dietary phospholipids have physiological functions that are different to dietary TAG. We recently reported that phosphatidylcholine (PC) alleviated orotic acid-induced fatty-liver through the suppression of hepatic lipogenesis in rats, and omega 3-PC from salmon roe prevented the development of obesity-related diseases through the suppression of lipogenic gene expressions and the enhancement of lypolytic gene expressions in the liver of obese rats. However, reports which studying the nutritional functions of minor phospholipids, such as phosphatidylinositol (PI), are scarce. Our study indicated that dietary PI lowered lipids in the plasma and liver by suppressing hepatic TAG synthesis.

Os efeitos do ácido linoléico conjugado no metabolismo animal: avanço das pesquisas e perspectivas para o futuro: [revisão] / Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on animal metabolism: advances in research and perspectives for the future: [review]

Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática, sem restrição de data, sobre os efeitos fisiológicos do ácido linoléico conjugado sobre a regressão da carcinogênese, o estresse oxidativo, o metabolismo de lípides e glicose e a alteração da composição corporal. Objetivando estabelecer o aspecto histórico do avanço da pesquisa em ácido linoléico conjugado, consideraram-se artigos originais resultantes de trabalhos realizados com animais, com cultura de células e com humanos. Quanto às pesquisas sobre o efeito anticarcinogênico do ácido linoléico conjugado foram encontradas inúmeras evidências a esse respeito, especialmente na regressão dos tumores mamários e de cólon, induzida por ambos os isômeros os quais agem de maneiras distintas. Os pesquisadores se empenham em reinvestigar as propriedades antioxidantes do ácido linoléico conjugado. Embora tenham sido investigadas as propriedades antioxidantes, tem-se identificado efeito pró-oxidante, levando ao estresse oxidativo em humanos. Foram poucos os estudos que demonstraram efeito positivo significativo do ácido linoléico conjugado sobre o metabolismo dos lípides e da glicose e sobre a redução da gordura corporal, especialmente em humanos. Estudos sobre efeitos adversos foram também identificados. Há fortes indícios de que a ação deste ácido graxo conjugado sobre uma classe de fatores de transcrição - os receptores ativados por proliferadores de peroxissomo - e sobre a conseqüente modulação da expressão gênica, possa ser a explicação fundamental dos efeitos fisiológicos. Embora incipientes, os mais recentes estudos reforçam o conceito da nutrigenômica, ou seja, a modulação da expressão gênica induzida por compostos presentes na alimentação humana. O cenário atual estimula a comunidade científica a buscar um consenso sobre os efeitos do ácido linoléico conjugado em humanos, já que este está presente naturalmente em alguns alimentos, que, quando consumidos em quantidades adequadas e de forma freqüente...

This systematic review without date restrictions is about the physiological effects of conjugated linoleic acid on regression of carcinogenesis, oxidative stress, glucose and lipid metabolism and change in body composition. The objective was to establish the historical aspect of research advances regarding conjugated linoleic acid, considering original articles reporting work on animals, cell cultures and humans. Regarding the researches on the anticarcinogenic effect of conjugated linoleic acid, innumerous evidences were found in this respect, especially in the regression of mammary and colon tumors induced by both isomers which act distinctively. The researchers devoted considerable effort to reinvestigate the antioxidant properties of conjugated linoleic acid. Although the antioxidant properties have been investigated, pro-oxidant effect has been identified leading to oxidative stress in humans. Few studies demonstrated significant beneficial effects of conjugated linoleic acid on the metabolism of lipids and glucose and on the reduction of body fat, especially in humans. Studies with adverse effects were also identified. There is strong indication that the action of this conjugated fatty acid on a class of transition factors - the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor - and on the consequent modulation of gene expression can be the fundamental explanation of its physiological effects. The most recent studies reinforce the nutrigenomic concept, that is, the modulation of gene expression induced by compounds present in the foods consumed by humans. This current scenario stimulates the scientific community to seek a consensus on the effects of conjugated linoleic acid in humans, since it is naturally found in some foods; when these foods are consumed regularly and in appropriate amounts, they could help prevent and control innumerous chronic diseases.

[Nutrition redistributing efficacy and safety of conjugated linoleic acid].

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a group of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid with conjugated double bonds. It has many beneficial effects including body composition changing, growth enhancing, anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic and immune modulating activitives. In this paper, the recent investigation progress on the mechanisms of the nutrition redistributing efficacy of CLA and its safety were reviewed.

Conjugated linoleic acids modulate UVR-induced IL-8 and PGE2 in human skin cells: potential of CLA isomers in nutritional photoprotection.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA), derivatives of linoleic acid found in food products, inhibit chemically induced skin cancers in mice. However, their potential photoprotective properties remain unexplored. We examined whether CLA may modulate ultraviolet radiation (UVR)-induced secretion of interleukin (IL)-8 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)), mediators implicated in UVR-induced inflammation and carcinogenesis, in human skin cells. Since tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is an early mediator of UVR effects, we also examined influence of CLA on TNF-alpha-induced mediator release. HaCaT keratinocytes were supplemented with CLA isomers cis-9-trans-11 (c9,t11-CLA; > or =90%), trans-10-cis-12 (t10,c12-CLA; > or =90%) or all trans-trans isomers (tt-CLA; 23.7%) in tetrahydrofuran/fetal calf serum (THF/FCS) or THF/FCS control. Supplementation of keratinocytes with c9,t11-CLA reduced Ultraviolet B(UVB)-induced IL-8 from 37 113 +/- 2903 pg/ng protein in control cells to 14 167 +/- 2063 pg/ng protein (P < 0.001). Similarly, t10,c12-CLA reduced UVB-induced IL-8 to 9786 +/- 1291.5 pg/ng protein (P < 0.001). Additionally, t10,c12-CLA and tt-CLA inhibited TNF-alpha-induced IL-8 from 11 669 +/- 1692 pg/ng protein in control cells to 5540 +/- 191 (P < 0.001) and 8082 +/- 1298 pg/ng (P < 0.01) protein, respectively. UVB-induced PGE(2) release was reduced by tt-CLA supplementation, from 4.8 +/- 1.2 to 1.6 +/- 0.8 pg/mg protein (P < 0.01), but increased by t10,c12-CLA to 8.8 +/- 1 pg/mg protein (P < 0.001). Influence of CLA on UVB-induced PGE(2) release was further explored in CCD922SK dermal fibroblasts. CLA isomers reduced UVB-induced PGE(2) in fibroblasts, reaching significance with c9,t11-CLA (98 +/- 5 falling to 0 pg/mg protein, P < 0.05). Hence, CLA isomers differentially modulate UVB effects on skin cells in vitro. CLA-containing foods have potential in photoprotection; the cutaneous effects of individual isomers warrant clinical study.

Effects of cis-9,trans-11 CLA in rats at intake levels reported for breast-fed infants.

CLA intake in exclusively breast-fed infants is close to levels found to have physiological effects in animals. However, in the majority of studies mixtures of CLA isomers have been used and the independent effects of the major CLA isomer in human milk, cis-9,trans-11 CLA, at the intake level in exclusively breast-fed infants have hardly been studied. We therefore studied the effects of cis-9,trans-11 CLA on plasma lipids and glucose, immune function, and bone metabolism in growing rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10/group) were fed either 20 mg/kg/d cis-9,trans-11 CLA and 20 mg/kg/d sunflower oil (CLA20), 40 mg/kg/d cis-9,trans-11 CLA (CLA40), or 40 mg/kg/d sunflower oil (placebo) for 8 wk. No significant differences between groups were found in plasma lipids, glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, or lipid peroxidation. Liver fat content was lowest in the CLA20 group. In vitro interleukin 2 (IL-2) production increased, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-1beta, prostaglandin E2, and leukotriene B4 production decreased in the CLA20 group. No differences between groups were detected in IL-4, IL-6, or interferon gamma production, plasma osteocalcin, insulin-like growth factor, or urinary deoxypyridinoline crosslinks. Plasma tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b activity was significantly increased in the CLA40 group. The results indicate anti-inflammatory effects and enhanced T-cell function for the CLA20 group. No adverse effects were seen in the CLA20 group, whereas indications of increased bone resorption rate were observed in the CLA40 group.

[Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and its relationship with cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors]. / Acido linoléico conjugado (CLA) e sua relação com a doença cardiovascular e os fatores de risco associados.

The term CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) corresponds to a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid, of which two (9/c/, 11/t/ and 10/t/, 12/c/) have biological activity. This review covers aspects related to CLA (sources, synthesis, distribution in human tissues, physiological activity), as well as its relationship with cardiovascular diseases. Most studies attribute the beneficial effects associated to the consumption of CLA to the reduction of risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as the reduction of plasmatic triacylglycerols and cholesterol. Other research demonstrates the reduction of atherosclerotic processes. However, many studies indicate that CLA does not present beneficial effects or may even present negative effects. Thus, although there are a great number of studies related to CLA, we consider it premature to make any recommendation for the ingestion of these compounds, apart from those naturally present in a healthy diet.

Milk production and composition from cows fed small amounts of fish oil with extruded soybeans.

Eight Holstein (189 +/- 57 DIM) and 4 Brown Swiss (126 +/- 49 DIM) multiparous cows were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square with 28-d periods to determine the minimal dietary concentration of fish oil necessary to maximize milk conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vaccenic acid (VA). Treatments consisted of a control diet with a 50:50 ratio of forage to concentrate (dry matter basis), and 3 diets with 2% added fat consisting of 0.33% fish oil, 0.67% fish oil, and 1% fish oil with extruded soybeans providing the balance of added fat. Dry matter intake (23.1, 22.6, 22.8, and 22.9 kg/d, for control, low, medium, and high fish oil diets, respectively) was similar for all diets. Milk production (21.5, 23.7, 22.7, and 24.2 kg/d) was higher for cows fed the fat-supplemented diets vs. the control. Milk fat (4.42, 3.81, 3.80, and 4.03%) and true protein (3.71, 3.58, 3.54, and 3.55%) concentrations decreased when cows were fed diets containing supplemental fat. Concentration of milk cis-9,trans-11 CLA (0.55, 1.17, 1.03, and 1.19 g/100 g of fatty acids) was increased similarly by all diets containing supplemental fat. Milk VA (1.12, 2.47, 2.13, and 2.63 g/100 g of fatty acids) was increased most in milk from cows fed the low and high fish oil diets. Milk total n-3 fatty acids were increased (0.82, 0.96, 0.92, and 1.01 g/100 g of fatty acids) by all fat-supplemented diets. The low fish oil diet was as effective at increasing VA and CLA in milk as the high fish oil diet, showing that only low concentrations of dietary fish oil are necessary for increasing concentrations of VA and CLA in milk.

Physiological properties of conjugated linoleic acid and implications for human health.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) refers to a mixture of positional and geometric dienoic isomers of linoleic acid found naturally in animal products of ruminant sources. Recent interest in CLA research stems from the well-documented anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, antidiabetic, and antiobesity properties of CLA in rodents. However, there has been very little published human research on CLA. This review discusses the physiologic properties of CLA and their potential implications for human health.

Biological effects of conjugated linoleic acids in health and disease.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of octadecadienoic acid [linoleic acid (LA), 18:2n-6] commonly found in beef, lamb and dairy products. The most abundant isomer of CLA in nature is the cis-9, trans-11 (c9t11) isomer. Commercially available CLA is usually a 1:1 mixture of c9t11 and trans-10, cis-12 (t10c12) isomers with other isomers as minor components. Conjugated LA isomer mixture and c9t11 and t10c12 isomers alone have been attributed to provide several health benefits that are largely based on animal and in vitro studies. Conjugated LA has been attributed many beneficial effects in prevention of atherosclerosis, different types of cancer, hypertension and also known to improve immune function. More recent literature with availability of purified c9t11 and t10c12 isomers suggests that t10c12 is the sole isomer involved in antiadipogenic role of CLA. Other studies in animals and cell lines suggest that the two isomers may act similarly or antagonistically to alter cellular function and metabolism, and may also act through different signaling pathways. The effect of CLA and individual isomers shows considerable variation between different strains (BALB/C mice vs. C57BL/6 mice) and species (e.g., rats vs. mice). The dramatic effects seen in animal studies have not been reflected in some clinical studies. This review comprehensively discusses the recent studies on the effects of CLA and individual isomers on body composition, cardiovascular disease, bone health, insulin resistance, mediators of inflammatory response and different types of cancer, obtained from both in vitro and animal studies. This review also discusses the latest available information from clinical studies in these areas of research.

Calcium and conjugated linoleic acid reduces pregnancy-induced hypertension and decreases intracellular calcium in lymphocytes.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to determine whether the beneficial effect of oral supplementation with calcium and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in the reduction of the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is related with changes in plasma levels of prostanoids, renin, angiotensin II, calciotropic hormones, and plasma and intracellular ionized free calcium. METHODS: These mediators were determined using the blood samples obtained from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included 48 healthy primigravidas with a family history of preeclampsia and with diastolic notch, recruited from four outpatient clinics from two developing countries. Participants were randomized to daily oral doses of elemental calcium and CLA or lactose-starch placebo from week 18 to week 22 of gestation until delivery. RESULTS: The incidence of PIH was significantly reduced in women receiving the supplement (2 women [8.3%]) compared with placebo (10 women [41.7%]) (relative risk = 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.05-0.82, P = .01). There were no significant differences in the plasma concentrations of ionized calcium, prostaglandin E(2), renin, angiotensin II, parathormone,and calcitonine. The concentration of intracellular ionized free calcium presented a significant reduction after interventions (92.0 nmol/L [range 62.5 to 220 nmol/L] v 62.5 nmol/L [range 28 to 200 nmol/L; P = .01) in the supplemented group but not in the placebo group. The women who developed PIH (n = 12) presented a significant increase in the concentrations of intracellular calcium after interventions (120 nmol/L [range 89.2 to 240 nmol/L] v 137.5 nmol/L [range 89.2 to 138 nmol/L; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Calcium and CLA supplementation during pregnancy reduces the incidence of PIH, and decreases the intracellular concentration of ionized free calcium in peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Conjugated linoleic acid and human health: a critical evaluation of the evidence.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review critically evaluates studies investigating the effects of conjugated linoleic acid on human health, including effects on body composition, blood lipids, liver metabolism, insulin sensitivity and immune function. It focuses mainly on human intervention studies, but includes some reference to animal and cellular studies which provide insight into potential molecular mechanisms of action of conjugated linoleic acid. RECENT FINDINGS: Human studies continue to report inconsistent effects of conjugated linoleic acid on human health. Some of these reports are based on overinterpretation of marginal effects of supplementation. Recent data suggest that the effects of the substance may be isomer dependent and that cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acids have opposing effects on blood lipids and on metabolism in adipocytes and hepatic cells. SUMMARY: Claims that conjugated linoleic acid is beneficial for health remain as yet unconvincing. Human studies investigating the effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplements have tended to use mixtures of isomers and have been inconsistent. More recent studies have attempted to use relatively pure preparations of single isomers and these studies suggest that the effects of conjugated linoleic acid may be isomer-specific. These recent data suggest a relative detrimental effect of trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid on blood lipids. There appears to be little effect of conjugated linoleic acid on immune function and the effects on insulin sensitivity remain unclear.

Effects of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA isomers on liver and adipose tissue fatty acid profile in hamsters.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 CLA on FA composition of TAG in epididymal adipose tissue and liver, and of hepatic phospholipids PL. Twenty-four Syrian Golden hamsters were randomly divided into three groups of eight animals each and fed semipurified atherogenic diets supplemented with either 0.5 g/100 g diet of linoleic acid or cis-9,trans-11 or trans-12,cis-9 CLA for 6 wk. Total lipids were extracted, and TAG and PL were separated by TLC. FA profile in lipid species from liver and adipose tissue, as well as in feces, was determined by GC. Trans-10,cis-12 CLA feeding significantly reduced linoleic and linolenic acids in TAG from both tissues, leading to reduced total PUFA content. Moreover, in the epididymal adipose tissue docosenoic and arachidonic acids were significantly increased. In liver PL, although no changes in individual FA were observed, total saturated FA (SFA) were decreased. No changes in TAG and PL FA profiles were induced by the cis-9,trans-11 CLA. TAG and PL incorporated cis-9,trans-11 more readily than trans-10,cis-12 CLA. This difference was not due to differential intestinal absorption, as shown by the analysis of feces. We concluded that only trans-10,cis-12 CLA induces changes in FA composition. Whereas increased PUFA content was observed in either liver or adipose tissue TAG, decreased SFA were found in liver PL. Incorporation of cis-9,trans-11 CLA in TAG is greater than that of trans-10,cis-12 CLA, but this is not due to differences in intestinal absorption.