Is Palmitoleic Acid a Plausible Nonpharmacological Strategy to Prevent or Control Chronic Metabolic and Inflammatory Disorders?

Abstract

Although dietary fatty acids can modulate metabolic and immune responses, the effects of palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) remain unclear. Since this monounsaturated fatty acid is described as a lipokine, studies with cell culture and rodent models have suggested it enhances whole body insulin sensitivity, stimulates insulin secretion by β cells, increases hepatic fatty acid oxidation, improves the blood lipid profile, and alters macrophage differentiation. However, human studies report elevated blood levels of palmitoleic acid in people with obesity and metabolic syndrome. These findings might be reflection of the level or activity of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, which synthesizes palmitoleate and is enhanced in liver and adipose tissue of obese patients. The aim of this review is to describe the immune-metabolic effects of palmitoleic acid observed in cell culture, animal models, and humans to answer the question of whether palmitoleic acid is a plausible nonpharmacological strategy to prevent, control, or ameliorate chronic metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Despite the beneficial effects observed in cell culture and in animal studies, there are insufficient human intervention studies to fully understand the physiological effects of palmitoleic acid. Therefore, more human-based research is needed to identify whether palmitoleic acid meets the promising therapeutic potential suggested by the preclinical research.

Palmitoleic Acid has Stronger Anti‐Inflammatory Potential in Human Endothelial Cells Compared to Oleic and Palmitic Acids

“…Interestingly incubation with PA increased the concentration of the pro‐inflammatory FA and prostaglandin precursor, arachidonic acid (20:4n‐6), while POA increased the concentration of cis vaccenic acid (C18:1n‐7), which is suggested to be anti‐inflammatory and also reported as a protective factor to cardiovascular diseases …”

“…The effects of palmitoleic acid (POA, C16:1n‐7), another monounsaturated FA, which can be obtained from macadamia ( Macadamia integrifolia ) nuts, macadamia oil, and sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides ) oil, are largely unknown and underexplored, especially with regard to ECs. In other cell types, POA seems to promote anti‐inflammatory effects, and even reduces the harmful effects of saturated FAs . For example, POA promoted the differentiation of primary macrophages into the anti‐inflammatory M2 phenotype, protecting against the pro‐inflammatory effects of PA .…”

Circulating palmitoleic acid is an independent determinant of insulin sensitivity, beta cell function and glucose tolerance in non-diabetic individuals: a longitudinal analysis

“…The two main sources of circulating palmitoleate are endogenous fat synthesis (cis isomer) and dietary whole-fat dairy products (trans isomer). Both palmitoleate isomers have been associated with lower metabolic risk [7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. The enrichment of cis-palmitoleate (hereinafter simply referred to as palmitoleate) in the plasma NEFA pool depends on its endogenous synthesis by subcutaneous adipose tissue, from which palmitoleate can be readily mobilised in response to different metabolic stimuli [9].…”

Shifts in gut microbiome and metabolome are associated with risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation

“…A recent study showed that 7-methylguanine was increased in incident type 2 diabetes millitus [42]. Meanwhile, palmitoleic acid has been suggested to enhance insulin sensitivity, stimulate insulin secretion, increase liver oxidation of fatty acids, improve blood lipid profile, alter the differentiation of macrophages [43], and improves metabolic functions in fatty liver tissue through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα)-dependent 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation [44]. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic impairment is important for AF pathophysiology [45].…”