The fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids in adolescents is associated with body composition in early adulthoods: an eight-year follow-up study.

The fatty acid composition is associated with obesity. Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) could have a beneficial role in the prevention and treatment of many disorders, including cardiometabolic diseases. A cohort of 84 men and 131 women were examined in adolescence and after 8 years. Body weight (BW) and fat mass (FM) were measured. The composition of fatty acids (FAs) of serum phospholipids was assessed using gas chromatography. Statistics: PLS method. Aim: to determine the relationships between FAs in adolescence and FM (explanatory variable 1, EV1) and BW (explanatory variable 2, EV2) in adulthood. In the predictive models, a cluster of FAs in boys explained 47.2 % of EV1 and a cluster of 6 FAs in girls explained 32.3 % of EV1 measured in adulthood. FAs measured in adolescents explained 23.7 % of EV2 in early adults regardless of gender. A significant negative association was found between 18:1n-9c and EV1 in males and EV2 in both genders. We found a significant negative association between 18:2n-6 and 20:0 and both EV1 and EV2. In all analyses, we found a significant negative association of 20:1n-9 and 18:3n-3 with EV1-2 in both genders. A significant positive association was found in 20:3n-6 with EV1 and EV2 in males. 20:4n-6 was positively associated with EV1 in females and EV2 in both genders. A positive association between FM and very long chain n- 6 PUFAs was also observed. It is concluded that serum MUFAs and essential PUFAs in adolescence are associated with lower BW and FM in adulthood.

The assessment of plasma fatty acid profiles in newly diagnosed treatment-naive paediatric Crohn's disease.

Fatty acid (FA) profiles as potentially relevant components of Crohn's disease (CD) have been insufficiently analysed. We sought to explore the plasma profiles of n-3 and n-6 polyunsa-turated fatty acids (PUFAs) in newly diagnosed untreated active CD. We included 26 consecutive CD pediatric patients (<19 years) and 14 healthy controls (HCs). Disease characteristics, including inflammatory markers, dietary histories, and the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI), were obtained. The profiles of plasma FAs in plasma lipid classes were analysed by gas chromatography with FID detection of methyl esters. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level and fecal calprotectin level (all p<0.001) were significantly higher in CD patients than in HCs. Most changes were observed in plasma phospholipids (PLs), such as a higher content of n-3 and changes in n-6 long-chain PUFAs in the CD group. The CD group had a lower ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFAs in PLs (p<0.001) and triacylglycerols (TAGs) (p<0.01). Correlations of the FA content in plasma PLs with disease activity scores of CD were also observed, which were positive for the sum of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) as well as oleic acid (18:1n-9) (both p<0.05). The metabolism of PUFAs is significantly altered even in treatment-naive newly diagnosed active pediatric CD, and the content of major FAs in PLs correlates with disease activity and inflammatory markers, thus probably contributing to the still unclear early disease pathogenesis.

Polymorphisms rs2167444 and rs508384 in the SCD1 Gene Are Linked with High ApoB-48 Levels and Adverse Profile of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.

Elevated plasma concentration of apolipoprotein B-48 (apoB-48) is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is a rate-limiting lipogenic enzyme and a key regulator of fuel metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyse associations between clinical, biochemical, and genetic factors and different apoB-48 levels in subjects at increased cardiometabolic risk. We examined 220 subjects exhibiting at least one metabolic syndrome (MetS) component. In conjunction with basic clinical, anthropometric and laboratory measurements, we analysed various polymorphisms of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1). Subjects were divided into two groups according to the median apoB-48 level: (1) high apoB-48 (≥ 7.9 mg/l, N = 112) and (2) low apoB-48 (< 7.9 mg/l, N = 108). Neither group differed significantly in anthropometric measures. High plasma apoB-48 levels were associated with increased systolic blood pressure (+3 %; P < 0.05), MetS prevalence (59.8 vs. 32.4 %; P < 0.001), small-dense LDL frequency (46.4 vs. 20.4 %; P < 0.001), triglycerides (+97 %; P < 0.001), non-HDLcholesterol (+27 %; P < 0.001), and lower concentrations of HDL-cholesterol (-11 %; P < 0.01). This group was further characterized by a higher HOMA-IR index (+54 %; P < 0.001) and increased concentrations of conjugated dienes (+11 %; P < 0.001) and oxidatively modified LDL (+ 38 %; P < 0.05). Lower frequencies of SCD1 minor genotypes (rs2167444, rs508384, P < 0.05) were observed in subjects with elevated plasma concentrations of apoB-48. Elevated plasma concentrations of apoB-48 are associated with an adverse lipid profile, higher systolic blood pressure, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress. Lower proportions of minor SCD1 genotypes (rs2167444, rs508384) implicate the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of elevated levels of apoB-48.

Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue triglycerides in obese diabetic women after bariatric surgery: a 2-year follow up.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective method in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different types of bariatric procedures on remission of T2DM and on the fatty acid composition in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Patients included obese diabetic women who underwent bariatric surgery: biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), n=8, laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB), n=9 or laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP), n=12. Anthropometric characteristics and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue (FA AT) were analyzed before surgery, then 6 months and 2 years after surgery. FA AT was analyzed by gas chromatography. Diabetes remission was estimated. BPD was most efficient in inducing a remission of diabetes (p=0.004). Significantly higher increases in lauric (12:0), myristoleic (14:1n-5) and palmitoleic (16:1n-7) acids and delta-9 desaturase were found two years after BPD, suggesting higher lipogenesis in adipose tissue. Docosatetraenoic acid (22:4n-6) increased significantly after BPD, while docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3) decreased 6 months after BPD and increased after 2 years. No changes were found after LAGB and LGCP after 2 years. Bariatric surgery led to significant changes in the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue in severely obese diabetic women after six months and two years, and was partly influenced by the type of surgery used.

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.

The use of a hydrogel matrix for controlled delivery of niacin to the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia treatment based on niacin requires gastrointestinal administration of relatively high doses. The recommended dietary allowance of niacin as vitamin B3 is 14 to 16 mg daily in adults, while the doses of niacin used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia are generally in the range of 1 to 3 g. Administration of such large doses requires a high concentration of the active compound in the tablet and proper control of the drug release. In this study, a hydrogel matrix based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and polyvinylpyrrolidone was investigated as delivery vehicle for controlled NA release into the gastrointestinal environment. The prepared hydrogel matrices varied in used monomer and crosslinker types and concentrations. The content of NA in tablets was between 65-80 %. The release profiles of NA from tablets were examined under three different pH values (1, 4.5 and 6.8) over the time period of 30 h. The effects of the monomer ratio, the crosslinking of the polymer network, and the solubility of niacin during drug release under various pH are discussed. The results showed that the release time period can be achieved in a relatively wide range of time and can be adjusted according to the medical requirements.

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 %), gamma-linolenic (+22 %), dihomo-gamma-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).

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.

First Report of Colletotrichum acutatum on Tomato and Apple Fruits in the Czech Republic.

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is a fruit traditionally grown in the Czech Republic, and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum Mill.), too, are widely raised in this region. Colletotrichum acutatum J. H. Simmonds is a polyphagous fungal plant pathogen. Earlier, this pathogen caused disease on strawberry in the Czech Republic (2), and now it has become an important pathogen on safflower (4). During the 2010 harvest, anthracnose symptoms were noticed on the fruits of apple and tomato. Infected apples fruits (localities Velká Bítes and Znojmo) and tomatoes (localities Velká Bítes and Zabcice) were collected. Typical symptoms on fruit surfaces were round, brown, shriveled and sunken spots, 1.2 to 2.0 cm, with orange conidial masses appearing on the spots. A fungus was isolated from each host on potato dextrose agar and cultured at 25 ± 2°C for 10 days. Mycelium was superficial, partly immersed, and white to gray with occurrence of orange conidial masses. Conidia of the tomato and apple isolates were colorless and fusiform. The size of conidia from the apple and tomato isolates, respectively, ranged from 11 to 15 × 2.5 to 3.5 µm and 11 to 16 × 2.5 to 4 µm. Morphological characteristics suggested that the isolated fungi was a Colletotrichum sp. To fulfill Koch's postulates, healthy tomato and apple fruits were disinfected with 3% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min and rinsed in sterile distilled water. Fruits were pinpricked with a sterile needle and 10 µl of a spore suspension (1 × 105 conidia ml-1) was inoculated by pipetting into the wound. Control fruits were treated with sterile distilled water. The fruits were transferred to a growth cabinet and maintained at a temperature of 25 ± 2°C, relative humidity of 70 ± 5%, and a photoperiod of 12 h. Similar disease symptoms as in the collected fruits were observed on tomato fruits at 7 days and apple fruits at 20 days after inoculation, while no symptoms appeared on control fruits. The pathogen was reisolated from infected fruits. Species determination of the isolates was confirmed by PCR. Specific primers designed in region ITS1, the 5.8S RNA gene, and region ITS2 of the pathogen DNA were selected. Specific primers CaInt2 and ITS4 were used to identify C. acutatum (3), and primers CgInt and ITS4 were used to determine C. gloeosporioides isolate CCM 177 (1), which was used as a control. Our isolates yielded PCR products (490 bp) only with primers designed for C. acutatum. The C. gloeosporioides isolate yielded a PCR product (450 bp) only with CgInt and ITS4 primers. PCR products were sequenced and identified with the BLAST program. The sequence of the tomato fruit isolate (Accession No. JN676199) and apple fruit isolate (Accession No. JN676198) matched with 100% similarity to the C. acutatum sequences in GenBank. The control isolate of C. gloeosporioides matched 100% to sequences AJ749682 and AJ749692. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. acutatum on tomato and apple fruits in the Czech Republic. This pathogen can endanger the production and storage of apples and tomatoes in this region. References: (1) P. R. Mills et al. FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 98:137, 1992. (2) D. Novotný et al. Plant Dis. 91:1516, 2007. (3) S. Sreenivasaprasad et al. Plant Pathol. 45:650, 1996. (4) J. Víchová et al. Plant Dis. 95:79, 2011.

Polymorphisms of genes for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in depression and metabolic syndrome.

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome as well as the occurrence of depressive disorder, which are both connected with increased risk of diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular diseases, is continually increasing worldwide. These disorders are interconnected at various levels; the genetic one seems to be promising. Contribution of genetic factors to the aetiopathogenesis of depressive disorder weighs within the range 40-50 %, whereas the genetic background for the manifestation of metabolic syndrome is more complicated. In this pilot study, we investigated the incidence of polymorphisms in several genes supposed to play a role in the development of both depressive disorder and metabolic syndrome such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The entire group consisted of 42 patients with depressive disorder, 57 probands with metabolic syndrome and 41 control individuals. We found that genotype Met/Met of the Val66Met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene was positively associated with depressive disorder (P < 0.05), but we were not able to find any significant associations of both the depressive disorder and metabolic syndrome with the remaining polymorphisms studied (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677CT, methylenetet rahydrofolate reductase 1298AC, endothelial nitric oxide synthase Glu298Asp, and tyrosine hydroxylase).

[Features of metabolic syndrome in patients with depressive disorder]. / Rysy metabolického syndromu u nemocných s depresivní poruchou.

BACKGROUND: Depressive disorder is a serious illness with a high incidence, proxime accessit after anxiety disorders among the psychiatric diseases. It is accompanied by an increased risk of development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and by increased all-cause mortality. Recently published data have suggested that factors connected with the insulin resistance are at the background of this association. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this pilot study we have investigated parameters of lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis in consecutively admitted patients suffering from depressive disorder (DD) (group of 42 people), in 57 patients with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and in a control group of 49 apparently healthy persons (CON). Depressive patients did not differ from the control group by age or body mass index (BMI) value, but they had statistically significantly higher concentrations of serum insulin, C-peptide, glucose, triglycerides (TG), conjugated dienes in LDL particles (CD-LDL), higher value of microalbuminuria and of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index. They simultaneously had significantly lower value of the insulin sensitivity (QUICKI) index. In comparison with the MetS group the depressive patients were characterized by significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI , serum TG, apolipoprotein B, uric acid, C-peptide and by higher concentrations of apolipoprotein A-I and HDL-cholesterol. On the contrary, we have not found statistically significant differences between the DD and MetS groups in the concentrations of serum insulin, glucose, HOMA and QUICKI indices, in CD-LDL and MAU. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, we have found in patients with depressive disorder certain features of metabolic syndrome, especially insulin resistance and oxidative stress.

[Fatty acids--2. Clinical and physiological significance]. / Mastné kyseliny 2. Fyziologický a klinický význam.

Fatty acids play multiple roles in humans and other organisms. In triglycerides they are the source of metabolic energy, in adipose tissue they serve also as temperature and mechanical isolators, in the form of phospholipids they are structural components of membranes. Fatty acids originating from the sn-2 glycerol carbon of phosphatidylcholine can influence the activity of diglycerides as second messengers. Unsaturated FA with 18-20 carbon atoms are precursors of prostaglandins, leucotrienes and thromboxanes, which have a broad scale of regulatory properties and have autocrine as well as paracrine effects. Fatty acids are ligands of several nuclear receptors, which take part in the subcellular control of a number of metabolic pathways. Covalent modification of proteins by FA (acylation) enables FA incorporation into the membranes. Number of pathological stages is accompanied with changes in fatty acid composition, often expressed as decreased content of unsaturated and increased content of saturated fatty acids (e.g. dyslipidemia, malnutrition, inflammation and inherited diseases). Polyunsaturated fatty acids as dietary supplements are used in prevention and in the therapy of cardiovascular diseases and other metabolic disturbances.

[Fatty acids--1. occurrence and biological significance]. / Mastné kyseliny. 1. Výskyt a biologický význam.

Fatty acids are monocarboxylic acids with chain-length 2-36 carbon atoms and 0-6 double bonds. Their physico-chemical properties are reflected also in the compounds, where fatty acids represent an important component (phospholipids, triglycerides), as well as in higher organized structures (plasma membranes, lipoproteins). Fatty acids are synthesized from two-carbon precursors; their degradation by beta-oxidation is accompanied by energy-release. Fatty acids are classified with respect to double bonds into saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. Simple lipids are esters of fatty acids and organic alcohols - cholesterol, glycerol and sphingosine and their derivatives. Endogenous acids can be desaturated up to Delta9 position; desaturation to other position is possible only from exogenous (essential) acids [(linoleic (n-6 series) and alpha-linolenic (n-3 series)]. Circulating lipids (in form of lipoproteins) consist of cholesterol esters and triglycerides in nonpolar core and phosphatidylcholin and sphingomyelin in the polar envelope of lipoproteins. Nonesterified fatty acids (product of lipolysis and source for lipid synthesis) are bound to plasma albumin. Membrane lipids, which ensure membrane fluidity and other functions, consist of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin and some other (minor) phospholipids.

Prominent role of liver in elevated plasma palmitoleate levels in response to rosiglitazone in mice fed high-fat diet.

UNLABELLED: In humans, antidiabetics thiazolidinediones (TZDs) upregulate stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) gene in adipose tissue and increase plasma levels of SCD1 product palmitoleate, known to enhance muscle insulin sensitivity. Involvement of other tissues in the beneficial effects of TZDs on plasma lipid profile is unclear. In our previous study in mice, in which lipogenesis was suppressed by corn oil-based high-fat (cHF) diet, TZD rosiglitazone induced hepatic Scd1 expression, while liver triacylglycerol content increased, VLDL-triacylglycerol production decreased and plasma lipid profile and whole-body glycemic control improved. Aim of this study was to characterise contribution of liver to changes of plasma lipid profile in response to a 8-week-treatment by rosiglitazone in the cHF diet-fed mice. Rosiglitazone (10 mg/kg diet) upregulated expression of Scd1 in various tissues, with a stronger effect in liver as compared with adipose tissue or skeletal muscle. Rosiglitazone increased content of monounsaturated fatty acids in liver, adipose tissue and plasma, with palmitoleate being the most up-regulated fatty acid. In the liver, enhancement of SCD1 activity and specific enrichment of cholesteryl esters and phosphatidyl cholines with palmitoleate and vaccenate was found, while strong correlations between changes of various liver lipid fractions and total plasma lipids were observed (r=0.74-0.88). Insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis was increased by rosiglitazone, with a stronger effect in muscle than in liver. CONCLUSIONS: changes in plasma lipid profile favouring monounsaturated fatty acids, mainly palmitoleate, due to the upregulation of Scd1 and enhancement of SCD1 activity in the liver, could be involved in the insulin-sensitizing effects of TZDs.

[Metabolic syndrome and depression--clinical relations]. / Metabolický syndrom a deprese--klinické vztahy.

The occurrence of both obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing; according to WHO data, this can be considered as a worldwide epidemic. The obesity is one of the components of metabolic syndrome, the cluster of several risk factors of atherosclerosis such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, impaired glucose homeostasis, pro-thrombotic state and subclinical inflammation. The importance of the metabolic syndrome is confirmed by findings of the several times increased risk of both the type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Similarly, as in the case of obesity and diabetes, the incidence and prevalence of depressive disorder are still increasing and depressive disorder belongs to the most important causes of disability. The interrelations between depressive disorder and diabetes are known for a long time. Diabetics very often suffer from depression and vice versa, the depressive disorder is a significant risk factor of type 2 diabetes mellitus development and worsens the survival of diabetics. Those relationships have been recently intensively studied. Our paper reviews genetic, nutritional, metabolic and hormonal factors, contributing to the above mentioned syndrome.

[Composition of the nonesterified fatty acids and lipid peroxidation in metabolic syndrome]. / Slození esterifikovaných mastných kyselin a lipoperoxidace u metabolického syndromu.

BACKGROUND: Composition of the nonesterified fatty acids in plasma in metabolic syndrome patients and in other syndromes of insulin resistance is altered. Fatty acid profile in plasma is related to the composition of dietary fat and to the metabolic changes of fatty acids, e.g. to de novo lipogenesis, beta-oxidation and conversion accompanying the oxidative stress. The aim of the work was to study the fatty acid composition in the major plasma lipid classes in relation to the insulin resistance, to some polymorphisms of candidate genes with activity related to insulin resistance, and to the lipoprotein composition and parameters of lipid peroxidation. METHODS AND RESULTS: 95 patients with metabolic syndrome (56 M/39 F) and 195 healthy persons (99 M/96 F) were included into the cohort. Basic clinical data, parameters of glucose homeostasis, lipid concentration in plasma and conjugated diens in LDL were determined. Fatty acids were detected by capillary gas chromatography. Polymorphisms of apolipoprotein E, intestinal isoforms of fatty acid binding protein (Ala54Thr) and y-2 isoforms of peroxisomal activated receptor (Alal2Pro) were analyzed using combination of polymerase chain reaction methods and by the detection of polymorphisms of the restriction fragment length. Persons with metabolic syndrome had higher concentrations of CRP and conjugated diens in LDL. In all lipid classes we proved a decreased concentration of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and an increase of unsaturated fatty acids. From all the acids, the only significant was the decrease of linolic acid concentration and the increase of palmitic and palmitoyl acids. Results showed an increase of delta 9 palmitic acid desaturase activity, delta 6 linolic acid desaturase and elongase activity. Concentration of conjugated diens in LDL inversely correlated with linolic acid. Clinical or laboratory parameters and homozygotic combination of polymorphism studied were not mutually related. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the profile of fatty acids during the metabolic syndrome results from the elevated lipogenesis and from the higher level of oxidative stress.

[Factors modulating parameters of cholesterol homeostasis in the metabolic syndrome]. / Faktory ovlivnující ukazatele homeostázy cholesterolu u metabolického syndromu.

BACKGROUND: Newly described component of the metabolic syndrome is the elevated synthesis of cholesterol accompanied with its decreased intestinal absorption. The aim of our study was to ascertain the incidence of genotypes and alleles of several candidate genes, which modulate insulin resistance and metabolism of lipids and to find their role in lipid, lipoprotein and cholesterol homeostasis. The concentrations of cholesterol precursors (lathosterol, desmosterol, respectively their rations to cholesterol) are related to the synthesis of cholesterol; concentrations of fytosterols (kampesterol, sitosterol, respectively their rations to cholesterol) are related to the intestinal absorption of cholesterol. METHODS AND RESULTS: 95 patients with metabolic syndrome (56 M/39 F) and 195 healthy persons (99 M/96 F) were included into the study. Beside the basic clinical and anthropometric data, parameters of glucose homeostasis, plasma concentration of lipids, ultracentrifugation separated lipoproteins, and conjugated diens in LDL were determined. Non-cholesterol sterols were estimated by capillary gas chromatography. Polymorphisms of apolipoprotein E, intestinal isoforms of fatty acids binding protein (Ala54Thr), microsomal transfer protein (-493G/T), and gamma-2 isoforms of peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor (Ala12Pro) were analysed by combination of methods of polymerase chain reaction and by determination of polymorphism of the length of restriction fragments. After adjustation to the age, patients with metabolic syndrome had higher BMI, body fat and lean body weight (all P < 0.001), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure (all P < 0.01). At the same time they had higher levels of glucose, insulin (P < 0.001), C-peptide, CRP (P < 0.05), uric acid, conjugated diens in LDL and HOMA insulin resistance index (P < 0.001). After adjustation to the age, higher concentration of triglycerides (P < 0.001), apo B (P < 0.01), cholesterol and triglycerides in VLDL (both P < 0.001), triglycerides in LDL (P < 0.01) were found. Incidence of alleles and genotypes of studied polymorphisms did not differ in both groups. Cholesterol synthesis is modulated by the presence of metabolic syndrome and by sex; cholesterol resorption is modulated only by the presence of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with metabolic syndrome we found higher synthesis and lower intestinal absorption of cholesterol. We did not confirm relation between alleles of studied polymorphisms and clinical and anthropometric parameters, neither relation of these alleles to lipid or lipoprotein levels, oxidation stress, inflammation, or parameters of synthesis and absorption of cholesterol.

[Relation between alcohol intake and some metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors in healthy men]. / Vztah mezi dietním príjmem alkoholu a nekterymi metabolickými a kardiovaskulárními rizikovými faktory u zdravých muzu.

BACKGROUND: Czech Republic belongs to countries with worldwide highest alcohol per capita intake. Although mild intake of alcohol may exhibit protective effects, its abuse is associated with true deleterious consequences for the whole organism. The aim of our study was to assess relation between alcohol intake and several metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the group of clinically healthy men (n=102, mean age 39.1 +/- 10.8 years) complete clinical examination, biochemical work-up and weekly dietary profile assessment were performed. Data were compared using standard statistical tests and linear regression analyses. Participants were divided into 4 groups according to the regular weekly alcohol intake (group 0: <70 g; group 1: 70-210 g: group 2: 211-420 g; group 3: >420 g alcohol/week). We found close relation between alcohol intake and several risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome such as WHR, BMI, total caloric intake, blood pressure, serum lipids, or iron metabolites and markers of oxidative stress (AGEs, AOPP). CONCLUSIONS: This study proves an important relationship between alcohol intake and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases or metabolic syndrome. Subjects abusing alcohol thus seem not to be only at higher risk for alcohol-mediated liver damage, but also for the cardiovascular and common metabolic diseases.

[Changes in serum and adipose tissue fatty acid composition after low calorie diet with respect to dietary fat content in obese]. / Zmeny slození mastných kyselin v séru a tukové tkáni v závislosti na obsahu tuku v nízkoenergetické diete.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a new attention has been paid to beneficial effects of high-fat diet on the body weight reduction and metabolic profile in obese subjects. In this study we compared the effects of two hypocaloric diets with different proportion of fat on fatty acid composition (FA) in blood and adipose tissue (AT). METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-four obese subjects were submitted to 10 weeks' low-calorie diet. Subjects were randomized into low-fat diet (LFD) (20-25% of energy content) and high-fat diet groups (HFD) (40-45%). Before and at the end of the intervention, samples of blood and subcutaneous AT were taken for the analysis of fatty acid composition. The diet-induced body weight and fat mass reduction were not different between the two diets. Plasma triacylglycerols (TAG) were reduced during HFD only. Both diets reduced proportion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in AT and of saturated fatty acid in blood TAG, with no difference between the diets. HFD induced a higher increase of monounsaturated fatty acids in blood TAG. No other diet-induced changes were found in proportion of major classes of fatty acids. In respect to individual fatty acids, the diets induced a number of changes in AT and blood, the changes, however, not being different between the diets. CONCLUSION: Hypocaloric diets induce a number of changes in fatty acid composition in blood and adipose tissue, with little differences in respect to the proportion of fat in the diet. The results suggest the diet-induced changes in fatty acid composition are controlled by the calorie deficit of the diet and the proportion of dietary fat plays a minor role.

The influence of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and very low calorie diet during a short-term weight reducing regimen on weight loss and serum fatty acid composition in severely obese women.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-3 series (n-3 PUFA) were shown to increase basal fat oxidation in humans. The aim of the study was to compare the effect of n-3 PUFA added to a very low calorie diet (VLCD), with VLCD only during three-week inpatient weight reduction. Twenty severely obese women were randomly assigned to VLCD with n-3 PUFA or with placebo. Fatty acids in serum lipid fractions were quantified by gas chromatography. Differences between the groups were determined using ANOVA. Higher weight (7.55+/-1.77 vs. 6.07+/-2.16 kg, NS), BMI (2.82+/-0.62 vs. 2.22+/-0.74, p<0.05) and hip circumference losses (4.8+/-1.81 vs. 2.5+/-2.51 cm, p<0.05) were found in the n-3 group as compared to the control group. Significantly higher increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate was found in the n-3 group showing higher ketogenesis and possible higher fatty acid oxidation. The increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate significantly correlated with the increase in serum phospholipid arachidonic acid (20:4n-6; r = 0.91, p<0.001). In the n-3 group significantly higher increase was found in n-3 PUFA (eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3, docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3) in triglycerides and phospholipids. The significant decrease of palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) and vaccenic acid (18:1n-7) in triglycerides probably reflected lower lipogenesis. A significant negative correlation between BMI change and phospholipid docosahexaenoic acid change was found (r = -0.595, p<0.008). The results suggest that long chain n-3 PUFA enhance weight loss in obese females treated by VLCD. Docosahexaenoate (22:6n-3) seems to be the active component.