Level of Potassium Is Associated with Saturated Fatty Acids in Cell Membranes and Influences the Activation of the 9 and 13 HODE and 5 HETE Synthesis Pathways in PCOS

Abstract

Potassium helps to maintain the water–electrolyte and acid–base balance. There is little research on the relationship between plasma fatty acids (FAs), inflammatory mediators and red blood cell potassium levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study included 38 Caucasian women with PCOS. Potassium in the erythrocytes was determined by inductively coupled atomic plasma emission spectrometry. The FAs were analysed with gas chromatography, and liquid chromatography was used to separate the eicosanoids. The relationships between the potassium content and the amounts of fatty acids, as well as potassium and arachidonic acid (AAs) derivatives, were analysed. Significant negative correlations were found with, among others, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and arachidic acid, whereas a positive correlation was found with neuronic acid. Positive correlations were observed with 9, 13 HODE (derivatives synthetized from linolenic acid) and 5 oxo ETE and 5 HETE (from 5 LOX pathway). Saturated fatty acids reduce the influx of potassium into the cell by destabilizing the pH of the cytosol, and thus exacerbating the inflammatory response through the activation of the AA cascade. Therefore, improving the flow of potassium inside the cell is important in the treatment of patients.

How important are elements in polycystic ovary syndrome? Should they be supplemented? A systematic review

“…It has been shown that the concentration of potassium in erythrocytes in women with PCOS is significantly higher than in healthy women [2] showed the existence of significant negative relationships between the amount of potassium in the erythrocytes of women with PCOS and saturated fatty acids in cell membranes. Saturated fatty acids cause a decrease in potassium influx into the cell by destabilizing the pH of the cytosol [35]. Although there is no information on potassium supplementation in women with PCOS, it seems reasonable to introduce this element to the diet, especially in cases where it is necessary to eliminate products with a high glycemic index (bananas, potatoes, sweet potatoes), which are the main source of potassium.…”

Molecular Research on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

“…PCOS metabolic anomalies are demonstrated to be related to incorrect element metabolism. A clinical study by Szczuko et al [13] examined the degree of dependence between erythrocytes potassium concentration, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) levels, and inflammatory mediators in PCOS women. Although the involved processes warrant further investigations, the authors explain that increased SFAs in red-blood-cell membranes reduced potassium influx by destabilizing the cytosol pH and increasing the inflammatory response through the activation of the AA (arachidonic acid) cascade, in which the 9, 13 HODE (derivatives synthesized from linolenic acid) and 5LOX pathways are mainly involved.…”