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Summary We evaluated total plasma fatty acid concentrations and percentages, and the fatty acid profiles for the different plasma lipid fractions and red blood cell lipids, in 17 patients with untreated colorectal cancer and 12 age-matched controls with no malignant diseases, from the same geographical area. Cancer patients had significantly lower total plasma concentrations of saturated, monounsaturated and essential fatty acids and their polyunsaturated derivatives than healthy controls; when the values were expressed as relative percentages, cancer patients had significantly higher proportions of oleic acid and lower levels of linoleic acid than controls. With regard to lipid fractions, cancer patients had higher proportions of oleic acid in plasma phospholipids, triglycerides and cholesterol esters, and lower percentages of linoleic acid and its derivatives. On the other hand, ax-linolenic acid was significantly lower in triglycerides from cancer patients and tended to be lower in phospholipids. Its derivatives also tended to be lower in phospholipids and triglycerides from cancer patients. Our findings suggest that colorectal cancer patients present abnormalities in plasma and red blood cell fatty acid profiles characterized by lower amounts of most saturated, monounsaturated and essential fatty acids and their polyunsaturated derivatives, especially members of the n-6 series, than their healthy age-matched counterparts. These changes are probably due to metabolic changes caused by the illness per se but not to malnutrition.Keywords: colorectal cancer; erythrocytes; fatty acids; plasma Colorectal cancer represents the second most common cause of death from cancer in western countries (MMWR, 1989). Tumour growth has a considerable impact on the nutritional status of patients and on the metabolic use of nutrients involved in the maintenance of structural integrity at the cellular level (Kern and Norton, 1988). Specific abnormalities in lipid metabolism have been reported in patients with cancer, e.g. increased fat mobilization from adipose tissue, probably due to soluble factors, such as 'lipid-mobilizing factor' (Kitada et al, 1982; Taylor et al, 1992) and the toxohormone (Masuno et al, 1981); increased oxidation rate of free fatty acids (Hansell et al, 1986; Douglas et al, 1990); and hyperlipidaemia due to either decreased lipoprotein lipase activity (Memon et al, 1992) or enhanced hepatic lipid secretion (Feingold et al, 1989).Essential fatty acids and their polyunsaturated derivatives are involved in many important biological functions. They play a structural role in cell membranes, influencing their fluidity and membrane enzyme activities; in addition, a number of fatty acids (Dihomo-y-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid) are the precursors of prostaglandins and other eicosanoids and can thus modulate immune responses (Kinsella, 1990; Kinsella et al, 1990 (Mosconi et al, 1989;McClinton et al, 1991). The lower levels of fatty acid derivatives may result from the decreased activ...

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A number of nutrients are known to be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated the possible effects of a daily intake of low amounts of these nutrients on risk factors and clinical parameters in patients with peripheral vascular disease and intermittent claudication (PVD-IC). Male PVD-IC patients (n = 60) were randomly allocated into 2 groups. The supplement (S) group consumed 500 mL/d of a fortified dairy product containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins A, B-6, D, and E. The control (C) group consumed 500 mL/d of semiskimmed milk with added vitamins A and D. The patients received lifestyle and dietary recommendations, and they were instructed to consume the products in addition to their regular diet. Blood extractions and clinical explorations were performed after 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo. Plasma concentrations of EPA, DHA, oleic acid, folic acid, and vitamins B-6 and E increased after treatment with supplements (P < 0.05). Plasma total cholesterol and ApoB concentrations decreased in the S group, and total homocysteine decreased in those patients with high initial concentrations. Walking distance before the onset of claudication increased in the S group (P < 0.001), and ankle-brachial pressure index values increased (P < 0.05). The inclusion in the everyday diet of certain nutrients known to promote cardiovascular health improved clinical outcomes while reducing a variety of risk factors in men with PVD-IC, providing new evidence of the potential role of nutrition in the reduction of PVD-IC symptoms.