Dietary Trans Fatty Acids Linked to Atherosclerosis Development

Researchers from Poland have discovered that dietary trans fatty acids are incorporated into human atheromatous plaques, potentially contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. According to a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition, the team found that trans isomers of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linolelaidic acid and elaidic acid, were present in the atheromatous plaques of patients undergoing surgery for atherosclerotic stenosis. The researchers suggest that the presence of these trans fatty acids in the plaques may be related to plaque formation and maturation, rather than being a reflection of their presence in the body's adipose tissue.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that dietary fatty acids are incorporated into atheromatous plaques mainly in the form of cholesterol esters.
• The presence of trans isomers of fatty acids in the atheromatous plaque seems to be of relevance to plaque formation.
• Linolelaidic acid (C18:2 trans-9 trans-12) and conjugated dienes of linoleic acid (CLA) were detected in every plaque and adipose tissue sample.
• The TFA pool in adipose tissue had little effect on the amount of these acids in the atheromatous plaque.
• The researchers suggested that the presence of TFA in atheromatous plaques is the result of processes taking place during plaque formation and maturation.
• The study highlights the potential link between dietary trans fatty acids and atherosclerosis development.

Statistics:

• 31 patients underwent surgery due to atherosclerotic stenosis of the abdominal aorta, iliac, or femoral arteries.
• Fatty acids were extracted and separated as methyl esters using gas chromatography (GC) with an internal standard.
• Correlations were searched for with statistical methods, taking the level of significance as p < 0.05.

Sources:

• European Journal of Nutrition (Dietary trans fatty acids and composition of human atheromatous plaques. Eur J Nutr, 2004;43(5):313-318)
• Pomeranian Medical University, Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry
• Dr. Dietrich Steinkopff Verlag, PO Box 10 04 62, D-64204 Darmstadt, Germany

(Note: The article was prepared by Heart Disease Weekly editors from staff and other reports. The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Diet and Nutrition, Trans Fatty Acids, Lipid Studies, Atherosclerosis Risk Factor, Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis, Cardiovascular Disease, Angiology, and Heart Disease.