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Lu H, Wang Z, Cao B, Cong F, Wang X, Wei W. Dietary sources of branched-chain fatty acids and their biosynthesis, distribution, and nutritional properties. Food Chem 2024; 431:137158. [PMID: 37604010 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) consist of a wide variety of fatty acids with alkyl branching of methyl group. The most common BCFAs are the types with one methyl group (mmBCFA) on the penultimate carbon (iBCFA) or the antepenultimate carbon (aiBCFA). Long-chain mmBCFAs are widely existing in animal fats, milks and are mostly derived from bacteria in the diet or animal digestive system. Recent studies show that BCFAs benefit human intestinal health and immune homeostasis, but the connection between their content, distribution in the human and their nutritional functions are not well established. In this paper, we reviewed BCFAs from various dietary sources focused on their molecular species. The BCFAs biosynthesis in bacteria, Caenorhabditis elegans, mammals and their distribution in human tissues are summarized. This paper also discusses the nutritional properties of BCFAs including influences on intestinal health, immunoregulatory effects, anti-carcinoma, and anti-obesity activities, by highlighting the most recent research progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Wilmar (Shanghai) Biotechnology Research & Development Center, Shanghai 200137, China; School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Bo Cao
- Wilmar (Shanghai) Biotechnology Research & Development Center, Shanghai 200137, China
| | - Fang Cong
- Wilmar (Shanghai) Biotechnology Research & Development Center, Shanghai 200137, China.
| | - Xingguo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province, School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
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Martínez-Sánchez MA, Balaguer-Román A, Fernández-Ruiz VE, Almansa-Saura S, García-Zafra V, Ferrer-Gómez M, Frutos MD, Queipo-Ortuño MI, Ruiz-Alcaraz AJ, Núñez-Sánchez MÁ, Ramos-Molina B. Plasma short-chain fatty acid changes after bariatric surgery in patients with severe obesity. Surg Obes Relat Dis 2023; 19:727-734. [PMID: 36842931 DOI: 10.1016/j.soard.2022.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity has reached epidemic dimensions in recent decades. Bariatric surgery (BS) is one of the most effective interventions for weight loss and metabolic improvement in patients with obesity. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) are gut microbiota-derived metabolites with a key role in body weight control and insulin sensitivity. Although BS is known to induce significant changes in the gut microbiota composition, its impact on the circulating levels of certain metabolites produced by the gut microbiota such as SCFA remains poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To determine the impact of BS on the circulating SCFA levels in patients with severe obesity. SETTING University hospital. METHODS An observational, prospective study was performed on 51 patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Plasma samples were collected at baseline (1 day before surgery) and at 6 and 12 months after BS. Plasma SCFA levels were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. RESULTS The results revealed significant changes in the circulating levels of SCFA after BS. A marked increase in propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and isovalerate levels and a decrease in acetate, valerate, hexanoate, and heptanoate levels were observed 12 months after BS. Furthermore, the changes in the levels of propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate negatively correlated with changes in body mass index, while those of isobutyrate correlated negatively with changes in the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index. CONCLUSION These results suggest that propionate, butyrate, and isobutyrate levels could be related to weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in patients with severe obesity after BS.
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Affiliation(s)
- María A Martínez-Sánchez
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
| | - Andrés Balaguer-Román
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain; Department of General and Digestive System Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Virginia E Fernández-Ruiz
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Sonia Almansa-Saura
- Department of General and Digestive System Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Victoria García-Zafra
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Ferrer-Gómez
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain; Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - María D Frutos
- Department of General and Digestive System Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - María I Queipo-Ortuño
- Department of Medical Oncology, Virgen de la Victoria and Regional University Hospitals-IBIMA, UMA-CIMES, Málaga, Spain; Department of Surgical Specialties, Biochemistry and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonio J Ruiz-Alcaraz
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology B and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Á Núñez-Sánchez
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain.
| | - Bruno Ramos-Molina
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
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Gozdzik P, Magkos F, Sledzinski T, Mika A. Monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids: Health effects and biological mechanisms. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 90:101226. [PMID: 37094753 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Gozdzik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Tomasz Sledzinski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Adriana Mika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland; Department of Environmental Analytics, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Martínez-Montoro JI, Núñez-Sánchez MÁ, Martinez-Sanchez MA, Balaguer-Román A, Fernández-Ruiz VE, Ferrer-Gómez M, Sledzinski T, Frutos MD, Fernández-García JC, Mika A, Ramos-Molina B. Hepatic and serum branched-chain fatty acid profile in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A case-control study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023; 31:1064-1074. [PMID: 36876627 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alterations in the hepatic lipidome are a crucial factor involved in the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum and hepatic profile of branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) in patients with different stages of NAFLD. METHODS This was a case-control study performed in 27 patients without NAFLD, 49 patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver, and 17 patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, defined by liver biopsies. Serum and hepatic levels of BCFAs were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The hepatic expression of genes involved in the endogenous synthesis of BCFAs was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). RESULTS A significant increase in hepatic BCFAs was found in subjects with NAFLD compared with those without NAFLD; no differences were observed in serum BCFAs between study groups. Trimethyl BCFAs, iso-BCFAs, and anteiso-BCFAs were increased in subjects with NAFLD (either nonalcoholic fatty liver or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) compared with those without NAFLD. Correlation analysis showed a relationship between hepatic BCFAs and the histopathological diagnosis of NAFLD, as well as other histological and biochemical parameters related to this disease. Gene expression analysis in liver showed that the mRNA levels of BCAT1, BCAT2, and BCKDHA were upregulated in patients with NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the increased production of liver BCFAs might be related to NAFLD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Martínez-Montoro
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | | | - Andrés Balaguer-Román
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
- Department of General and Digestive System Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Virginia E Fernández-Ruiz
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Ferrer-Gómez
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - Tomasz Sledzinski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - María Dolores Frutos
- Department of General and Digestive System Surgery, Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Carlos Fernández-García
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Regional University Hospital of Málaga, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adriana Mika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Bruno Ramos-Molina
- Obesity and Metabolism Research Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Murcia, Spain
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Janczy A, Szymanski M, Stankiewicz M, Kaska L, Waleron K, Stelmanska E, Sledzinski T, Mika A. Increased Amount of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the Intestinal Contents of Patients with Morbid Obesity. Obes Surg 2023. [PMID: 36829082 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-023-06518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity is associated with disturbed gut microbiota homeostasis that translates into altered intestinal and blood metabolite profiles. The long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) may be absorbed in the intestine, but until now, their composition in intestinal contents of patients with obesity has not been studied. The aim of the present study was to verify whether obesity is related to any changes in fecal LCFA content and whether intestinal LCFA content may be associated with the health status of patients with obesity. METHODS The fatty acid composition has been studied in stool samples obtained from 26 patients with morbid obesity and 25 lean subjects by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The dietary habits were assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ-6). RESULTS Our results show for the first time that lean subjects and patients with obesity differ in their stool LCFA profiles. The levels of most n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-6 PUFAs were significantly higher in fecal samples from people with obesity than in those from lean controls. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current knowledge, we have defined three hypotheses that may explain proving the cause-and-effect relationships observed differences in fecal LCFA profiles between patients with obesity and lean subjects. They may be related to alterations in fat digestion and/or LCFA absorption and diet. However, proving the cause-and-effect relationships requires further research.
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Middleton ALO, Byrne JP, Calder PC. The Influence of Bariatric (Metabolic) Surgery on Blood Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 48:121-140. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Liakh I, Janczy A, Pakiet A, Korczynska J, Proczko-Stepaniak M, Kaska L, Sledzinski T, Mika A. One-anastomosis gastric bypass modulates the serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory oxylipins, which may contribute to the resolution of inflammation. Int J Obes (Lond) 2021; 46:408-416. [PMID: 34732836 DOI: 10.1038/s41366-021-01013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Oxylipins are polyunsaturated fatty acid derivatives involved in the regulation of various processes, including chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. They can be synthesized in various tissues, including adipose tissue. There is some evidence that obesity is associated with the deregulation of serum oxylipin levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery (one-anastomosis gastric bypass) on the serum levels of selected oxylipins and their fatty acid precursors and to verify the hypothesis that their changes after surgery can contribute to the resolution of inflammation. Moreover, we compared the oxylipin levels (prostaglandin E2, 13-HODE, maresin 1 and resolvin E1), fatty acids and the expression of enzymes that synthesize oxylipins in adipose tissue of lean controls and subjects with severe obesity. SUBJECTS/METHODS The study included 50 patients with severe obesity that underwent bariatric surgery and 41 subjects in lean, control group. Fatty acid content was analyzed by GC-MS, oxylipin concentrations were measured with immunoenzymatic assay kits and real-time PCR analysis was used to assess mRNA levels in adipose tissue. RESULTS Our results show increased expression of some enzymes that synthesize oxylipins in adipose tissue and alterations in the levels of oxylipins in both adipose tissue and serum of subjects with obesity. After bariatric surgery, the levels of anti-inflammatory oxylipins increased, whereas pro-inflammatory oxylipins decreased. CONCLUSIONS In patients with obesity, the metabolism of oxylipins is deregulated in adipose tissue, and their concentrations in serum are altered. Bariatric surgery modulates the serum levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory oxylipins, which may contribute to the resolution of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Liakh
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agata Janczy
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Alicja Pakiet
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Justyna Korczynska
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Monika Proczko-Stepaniak
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lukasz Kaska
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Sledzinski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Adriana Mika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
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Pakiet A, Haliński ŁP, Rostkowska O, Kaska Ł, Proczko-Stepaniak M, Śledziński T, Mika A. The Effects of One-Anastomosis Gastric Bypass on Fatty Acids in the Serum of Patients with Morbid Obesity. Obes Surg 2021; 31:4264-4271. [PMID: 34255274 PMCID: PMC8458202 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-021-05531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Obesity is associated with alterations in serum fatty acid profiles. One-anastomosis gastric bypass is a type of bariatric surgery used in the treatment of morbid obesity. The aim of this study was to establish if, between 6 and 9 months after this procedure, the fatty acid composition in the serum of patients normalizes to values similar to the healthy, lean population. Materials/Methods The study included 46 patients that underwent surgical treatment for obesity with one-anastomosis gastric bypass. The serum fatty acid composition was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis was conducted to detect the differences between fatty acid profiles in patients pre- and post-surgery, and in 29 control nonobese subjects. Results Patients with morbid obesity were characterized by lowered levels of beneficial odd- and branched-chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. While the odd- and branched-chain fatty acid amounts normalized 6–9 months after bariatric treatment, the polyunsaturated fatty acid levels did not. Moreover, the total fatty acid profiles of patients pre- and post-bariatric surgery were still markedly different than those of lean, healthy controls. Conclusion Following one-anastomosis gastric bypass, there are some beneficial changes in serum fatty acids in treated patients, possibly due to weight loss and dietary regimen changes. However, they may be insufficient to restore the proper levels of other fatty acids, which may need to be additionally supplemented. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Pakiet
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-309, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Łukasz P Haliński
- Department of Environmental Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80-309, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Olga Rostkowska
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kaska
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Monika Proczko-Stepaniak
- Department of General, Endocrine and Transplant Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Smoluchowskiego 17, 80-214, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Tomasz Śledziński
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Adriana Mika
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdańsk, Poland.
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Taormina VM, Unger AL, Schiksnis MR, Torres-Gonzalez M, Kraft J. Branched-Chain Fatty Acids-An Underexplored Class of Dairy-Derived Fatty Acids. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2875. [PMID: 32962219 PMCID: PMC7551613 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dairy fat and its fatty acids (FAs) have been shown to possess pro-health properties that can support health maintenance and disease prevention. In particular, branched-chain FAs (BCFAs), comprising approximately 2% of dairy fat, have recently been proposed as bioactive molecules contributing to the positive health effects associated with the consumption of full-fat dairy products. This narrative review evaluates human trials assessing the relationship between BCFAs and metabolic risk factors, while potential underlying biological mechanisms of BCFAs are explored through discussion of studies in animals and cell lines. In addition, this review details the biosynthetic pathway of BCFAs as well as the content and composition of BCFAs in common retail dairy products. Research performed with in vitro models demonstrates the potent, structure-specific properties of BCFAs to protect against inflammation, cancers, and metabolic disorders. Yet, human trials assessing the effect of BCFAs on disease risk are surprisingly scarce, and to our knowledge, no research has investigated the specific role of dietary BCFAs. Thus, our review highlights the critical need for scientific inquiry regarding dairy-derived BCFAs, and the influence of this overlooked FA class on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M. Taormina
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA;
| | - Allison L. Unger
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (A.L.U.); (M.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Morgan R. Schiksnis
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (A.L.U.); (M.R.S.); (J.K.)
| | | | - Jana Kraft
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA; (A.L.U.); (M.R.S.); (J.K.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, The University of Vermont, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
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