2004 AUG 7 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) may have the potential to modify hepatic gene expression patterns, researchers report.
'CLAs are isomeric forms of the 18:2 fatty acid that contain conjugated sites of unsaturation. Although CLAs are minor components of the diet, they have many reported biological activities,' scientists in Canada report.
'For nearly a decade, the potential for CLA to modify the atherosclerotic process has been examined in animal models, and studies of supplementation of the human diet with CLA were started with the anticipation that such an intervention could also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,' wrote R.S. McLeod and colleagues, Dalhousie University, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology.
'Central to the hypothesis is the expectation that dietary modification could alter plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism toward a more cardioprotective profile. This review examines the evidence in support of the hypothesis and the mechanistic studies that lend support for a role of CLA in hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism,' the researchers stated.
'Although there are still limited studies in strong support of a role for CLA in the reduction of early atherosclerotic lesions, there has been considerable progress in defining the mechanisms of CLA action. CLA could primarily modulate the metabolism of fatty acids in the liver,' the researchers wrote.
'The tools are now available to examine isomer-specific effects of CLA on hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and the potential of CLA to modify hepatic gene expression patterns. Additional animal and cell culture studies will increase our understanding of these unusual fatty acids and their potential for health benefits in humans,' the researchers concluded.
McLeod and colleagues published their study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (Conjugated linoleic acids, atherosclerosis and hepatic very-low-density lipoprotein metabolism. Am J Clin Nutr, 2004;79(6 Suppl. S):1169S-1174S).
For additional information, contact R.S. McLeod, Dalhousie University, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Halifax NS B3H 1X5, Canada.
The publisher's contact information for the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition is: The American Society Clinical Nutrition, 9650 Rockville Pike, Subscriptions, RM L-3300, Bethesda, MD 20814-3998 USA.
The information in this article comes under the major subject area of Cardiology.
This article was prepared by Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2004, Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week via NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net.
