scholarly journals Altered Red Blood Cell Membrane Fatty Acid Profile in Cancer Patients

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Amézaga ◽  
Sara Arranz ◽  
Ander Urruticoechea ◽  
Gurutze Ugartemendia ◽  
Aitziber Larraioz ◽  
...  

The fatty acid (FA) composition of red blood cell (RBC) membrane phospholipids of cancer patients can reflect tumor status, dietary intakes, and cancer type or therapy. However, the characteristic membrane profiles have so far not yet defined as a potential biomarker to monitor disease evolution. The present work provides the first evidence of cancer metabolic signatures affecting cell membranes that are independent of nutritional habits. From the Oncology Outpatient Unit of the Onkologikoa hospital, two groups of cancer patients (n = 54) and healthy controls (n = 37) were recruited, and mature RBCs membrane phospholipids were analyzed for FA profiling (GC-MS). Dietary habits were evaluated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. The adjusted Analysis of Covariance Test (ANCOVA) model revealed cancer patients to have a lower relative percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) (C16:0 (5.7%); C18:0 (15.9%)), and higher monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (9c-C18:1 (12.9%) and 11c-C18:1 (54.5%)), compared to controls. In line with this, we observe that the desaturase enzymatic index (delta-9 desaturase (Δ9D), +28.3%) and the membrane saturation index (SI = SFA/MUFA; −27.3%) were similarly modulated. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) families showed an increase of n-6 C18:2 and C20:3 (15.7% and 22.2% respectively), with no differences in n-6 C20:4 and n-3 PUFA (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)). Importantly, these changes were found independent of foods and fat intakes from the diet. The membrane lipid profile in RBC was useful to ascertain the presence of two main metabolic signatures of increased desaturation activity and omega-6 in cancer patients, statistically independent from dietary habits.

Metabolites ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 469
Author(s):  
Javier Amézaga ◽  
Gurutze Ugartemendia ◽  
Aitziber Larraioz ◽  
Nerea Bretaña ◽  
Aizpea Iruretagoyena ◽  
...  

Red blood cell (RBC) membrane can reflect fatty acid (FA) contribution from diet and biosynthesis. In cancer, membrane FAs are involved in tumorigenesis and invasiveness, and are indicated as biomarkers to monitor the disease evolution as well as potential targets for therapies and nutritional strategies. The present study provides RBC membrane FA profiles in recently diagnosed breast cancer patients before starting chemotherapy treatment. Patients and controls were recruited, and their dietary habits were collected. FA lipidomic analysis of mature erythrocyte membrane phospholipids in blood samples was performed. Data were adjusted to correct for the effects of diet, body mass index (BMI), and age, revealing that patients showed lower levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acid, cis-vaccenic (25%) than controls, with consequent differences in desaturase enzymatic index (∆9 desaturase, –13.1%). In the case of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), patients had higher values of ω-6 FA (C18:2 (+11.1%); C20:4 (+7.4%)). RBC membrane lipidomic analysis in breast cancer revealed that ω-6 pathways are favored. These results suggest new potential targets for treatments and better nutritional guidelines.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 3446
Author(s):  
Iker Jauregibeitia ◽  
Kevin Portune ◽  
Itxaso Rica ◽  
Itziar Tueros ◽  
Olaia Velasco ◽  
...  

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease of high complexity and of multifactorial origin. Understanding the effects of nutrition on childhood obesity metabolism remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid (FA) profile of red blood cell (RBC) membranes as a comprehensive biomarker of children’s obesity metabolism, together with the evaluation of their dietary intake. An observational study was carried out on 209 children (107 healthy controls, 41 who were overweight and 61 with obesity) between 6 and 16 years of age. Mature RBC membrane phospholipids were analyzed for FA composition by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Dietary habits were evaluated using validated food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) and the Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children (KIDMED) test. Compared to children with normal weight, children with obesity showed an inflammatory profile in mature RBC FAs, evidenced by higher levels of ω-6 polyunsaturated FAs (mainly arachidonic acid, p < 0.001). Children who were overweight or obese presented lower levels of monounsaturated FA (MUFA) compared to children with normal weight (p = 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively), resulting in an increased saturated fatty acid (SFA)/MUFA ratio. A lower intake of nuts was observed for children with obesity. A comprehensive membrane lipidomic profile approach in children with obesity will contribute to a better understanding of the metabolic differences present in these individuals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 319-319
Author(s):  
Carrie James ◽  
Sandra L Rodriguez-Zas ◽  
Maria R C de Godoy

Abstract There is evidence that algae can be a sustainable alternative of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (w-3 PUFA; DHA and EPA) in the diets of felines, but more information is needed to determine bioavailability of algal w-3 PUFAs in felines. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of algae DHA on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) membrane fatty acid profiles and fecal microbiota of adult cats. A complete randomized design was utilized with thirty female and male adult cats (mean age: 1.8 ± 0.03 yr, mean BW: 4.5 ± 0.8 kg) which were fed an assigned diet for 90 d. Three diets were formulated with poultry fat alone or inclusion of 2% fish oil or 2% algae DHA meal. Blood samples were collected after fasting on 0, 30, 60 and 90 d to be analyzed for plasma and red blood cell fatty acid profiles. A fresh fecal sample was collected within 15 min of defecation from each cat to be analyzed for fecal microbiota. Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing from V4 region was completed using MiSeq and analyzed using QIIME 2. Plasma and RBC fatty acid concentrations at baseline were similar among all cats and treatment groups. However, dietary treatment had a significant effect on the concentrations of several fatty acids in plasma and RBC over time. Plasma and RBC concentrations of DHA were greater (P &lt; 0.05) for cats fed the algal DHA diet compared to the control and fish oil diets. Conversely, plasma and RBC concentrations of EPA did not differ among treatments when analyzed as a change from baseline. Beta- and alpha-diversity did not differ among treatments, indicating that 2% fish oil or algal-DHA meal does alter fecal microbiota of cats in contrast with cats fed a poultry fat-based diet.


2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-6
Author(s):  
Varinderpal S Dhillon ◽  
Permal Deo ◽  
Ann Chua ◽  
Phil Thomas ◽  
Michael Fenech

Abstract Lymphocyte telomere length (LTL) is a biomarker of aging that may be modified by dietary factors including fat. Red blood cell fatty acid status is a well-validated indicator of long-term dietary intake of fat from various sources. Recent findings from epidemiological studies of LTL in relation to fatty acids in red blood cells are not conclusive. The present study was carried out to investigate if red blood cell fatty acid status in 174 healthy older South Australians is associated with LTL. Lymphocyte telomere length was measured by real-time qPCR and fatty acid content in red blood cells was measured by gas chromatography. Our results indicate that the majority of saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids are negatively associated with LTL, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids are positively associated with LTL. Multiple regression analysis revealed that arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) is significantly, independently, positively correlated with LTL (β = 0.262; p = .000). The significant association of fatty acids, particularly C20:4n-6, with telomere length warrants further research.


Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norman Salem ◽  
Peter Van Dael

Breastfeeding is universally recommended as the optimal choice of infant feeding and consequently human milk has been extensively investigated to unravel its unique nutrient profile. The human milk lipid composition is unique and supplies specifically long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), in particular, arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4n–6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n–3). Arachidonic acid (ARA) is the most predominant long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in human milk, albeit at low concentrations as compared to other fatty acids. It occurs predominantly in the triglyceride form and to a lesser extent as milk fat globule membrane phospholipids. Human milk ARA levels are modulated by dietary intake as demonstrated by animal and human studies and consequently vary dependent on dietary habits among mothers and regions across the globe. ARA serves as a precursor to eicosanoids and endocannabinoids that also occur in human milk. A review of scientific and clinical studies reveals that ARA plays an important role in physiological development and its related functions during early life nutrition. Therefore, ARA is an important nutrient during infancy and childhood and, as such, appropriate attention is required regarding its nutritional status and presence in the infant diet. Data are emerging indicating considerable genetic variation in encoding for desaturases and other essential fatty acid metabolic enzymes that may influence the ARA level as well as other LC-PUFAs. Human milk from well-nourished mothers has adequate levels of both ARA and DHA to support nutritional and developmental needs of infants. In case breastfeeding is not possible and infant formula is being fed, experts recommend that both ARA and DHA are added at levels present in human milk.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-26
Author(s):  
Olufunmilola Akinyemi ◽  
Geza Bruckner ◽  
John Johnson ◽  
Terry A. Lennie ◽  
David Hildebrand

Fatty acid profiling has become a very useful and effective tool in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of several diseases with cardiovascular disease being particularly important. In order to arrive at accurate conclusions that would help promote the health of individuals plagued by such diseases, not only excellent laboratory methods are required, but also very important monitoring responses to treatment. Improvements in methods of fatty acid profiling in biological systems regarding safety of extraction, precision and time for analysis are valuable. The ω-3 index (a measure of the amount of eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, in Red Blood Cell membranes expressed as the percent of total fatty acids) is of growing interest because it has been reported to provide prognostic information regarding the risk for heart diseases. Sodium methoxide has been widely used for the determination of ω -3 fatty acids in food samples. This study demonstrates that sodium methoxide can be used effectively in RBC fatty acid profiling and determination of the ω-3 index. Briefly, the fatty acid profiles and ω-3 index of red blood cell samples were analyzed and results compared using three different methods: a two- step extraction and methylation method described by Hara and Radin, a single step extraction and methylation method described by Harris et al. and the sodium methoxide method. Our results revealed that there were no statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between the three methods for the representative fatty acids, [16:0 (p = 0.10), 18:0 (p=0.40), 18:1(ω9) (p = 0.29), 18:2(ω6) (p = 0.95), 18:3(ω3) (p = 0.50), 20:5(ω3) (p=0.56), 22:6(ω3) (p = 0.06)] and ω-3 index (p = 0.11) except for 20:4(ω6), (P = 0.02). In conclusion, we show that sodium methoxide can be used effectively in a one-step extraction and methylation procedure for high throughput analysis of fatty acids in red blood cell membranes. It is rapid (10 minute extraction and methylation), simple, safer than and as accurate as other commonly reported methods.


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