Site-specific differences in the fatty acid composition of abdominal adipose tissue in an obese population from a Mediterranean area: relation with dietary fatty acids, plasma lipid profile, serum insulin, and central obesity

Abstract

Background:Abdominal obesity is associated with coronary risk, although causality is not well established. Objective: In an obese Mediterranean population, we measured the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue, its relation with dietary fatty acids and central fat deposition, and its influence on plasma lipids and insulin. Design: Adipose tissue samples were obtained from 84 obese patients (29 men, 55 women) aged 30-70 y (body mass index, in kg/m 2 : 27-35). We measured concentrations of insulin and lipids in plasma and fatty acids in subcutaneous, omental, and perivisceral fat. Dietary fatty acid intake was assessed with a 7-d diet record. Results: The population studied was normolipidemic and normoinsulinemic. There were important differences in fatty acid composition between tissue sites: saturated fatty acids were higher and monounsaturated fatty acids were lower in perivisceral than in subcutaneous fat (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were found for oleic, linoleic, ␣-linolenic, and total nϪ6 polyunsaturated fatty acids between the subject's habitual diet and adipose tissue composition. Oleic and nϪ3 fatty acids from adipose regions were negatively correlated with apolipoprotein B and triacylglycerols; adipose tissue 22:1nϪ9, 20:2nϪ6, stearic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were positively correlated with HDL and apolipoprotein A; and adipose tissue myristic acid was negatively correlated with apolipoprotein A (P < 0.05). Central obesity was positively associated with nϪ6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inversely associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and nϪ3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in adipose tissue (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The differences found in the composition and metabolism of perivisceral, omental, and subcutaneous fats may indicate that their atherogenic capacities also differ.Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74:585-91.

Adipose tissue arachidonic acid and the metabolic syndrome in Costa Rican adults

“…[27][28][29] Recent studies have highlighted the association between adipose tissue fatty acid composition and obesity. 12,13 In a study of obese Mediterraneans, central obesity was positively associated with n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inversely associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in adipose tissue. 13 Consistent with results from our study, a cross-sectional study of eighty-eight children from Cyprus and Crete found that body mass index (BMI) was more strongly associated with arachidonic acid than with any other adipose tissue PUFA.…”

“…12,13 In a study of obese Mediterraneans, central obesity was positively associated with n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inversely associated with monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in adipose tissue. 13 Consistent with results from our study, a cross-sectional study of eighty-eight children from Cyprus and Crete found that body mass index (BMI) was more strongly associated with arachidonic acid than with any other adipose tissue PUFA. 30 Of note is the striking association between arachidonic acid and abdominal obesity in our study, where those in the highest level of arachidonic acid in adipose tissue were almost 20 times more likely to have abdominal obesity.…”

“…1 There is a suggestion that excessive production of n-6 eicosanoids from arachidonic acid, such as the 2-series prostaglandins, may give rise to pathophysiological signaling. 8 Indeed elevated tissue levels of arachidonic acid have been associated with a number of disease states, including coronary heart disease 9,10 , breast cancer 11 , obesity 12,13 , diabetes 14 and stress. 15 Arachidonic acid can act as a strong negative modulator of glucose uptake 16 , and studies have demonstrated higher serum levels of arachidonic acid in diabetic subjects compared to normal matched controls.…”

Arachidonic acid impairs hypothalamic leptin signaling and hepatic energy homeostasis in mice

“…It is a key component of cell membranes and serves as a precursor to some eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes) which mediate inflammatory responses [19]. Interestingly, an excess consumption of n-6 PUFA (abundant in the western diet) can increase inflammation and contribute to the pathology of major chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity [20,21]. Increased ARA content in adipose tissue is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and obesity [21].…”

“…Interestingly, an excess consumption of n-6 PUFA (abundant in the western diet) can increase inflammation and contribute to the pathology of major chronic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity [20,21]. Increased ARA content in adipose tissue is also associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome and obesity [21]. Finally, the inhibitory role of ARA has been suggested in both basal and insulin-stimulated leptin expression and production [5].…”