Morbid Obesity is Associated to Altered Fatty Acid Profile of Erythrocyte Membranes

Abstract

Background: Morbid obesity is a pathologic condition associated to an increased incidence of several chronic conditions associated to increased risk of mortality. Erythrocyte fatty acid composition has been candidate as a biomarker of oxidative stress and consequently on the rate of aging and ultimately lifespan. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the total spectrum of lipid composition of erythrocyte membranes from obese individuals. The aim of this study was to compare the fatty acid composition of erythrocyte membranes derived from morbidly obese patients with healthy matched controls and long-living descendants.Methods: Gas chromatography was employed to determine fatty acid percentage of erythrocyte membranes from investigated groups.Results: Erythrocyte membranes from obese subjects had significantly lower percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (16.0 ± 0.8 vs. 23.0 ± 4.5, p<0.01) and total trans fatty acid (0.2 ± 0.1 vs. 1.3 ± 1.2, p<0.001) than controls. Obese fatty acid profiles showed increased percent of total polyunsaturated fatty acid (36.5 ± 1.4 vs. 27.3 ± 10.9, p<0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acid n-3 (5.2 ± 0.9 vs. 2.6 ± 1.8, p <0.001) and n-6 (31.3 ± 1.7 vs. 25.0 ± 10.1, p<0.001). Interestingly, when obese fatty acid profiles are compared with long-living descendants, the former show opposite trends in the percentages of the main saturated and unsaturated residues of membrane phospholipids compared with nonagenarian offspring. Conclusion:This study shows that the erythrocyte membranes fatty acid composition of obese subjects differs from general population in a way opposite to the long-living descendants. If confirmed by further investigations, the fatty acid equilibration may become an additional target in the multidisciplinary strategy aimed to treat the obesity epidemic.

Alterations of specific lipid groups in serum of obese humans: a review

“…Intriguingly, del Genio et al . found lower contents of MUFAs, especially 16:1 and 18:1, and elevated levels of PUFAs within PHL in erythrocyte membranes from obese subjects, whereas our previous study of morbidly obese persons demonstrated an increase in serum MUFAs and a decrease in serum PUFAs . Also, Cordero et al .…”

“…Evidence from many clinical studies points to potential role of dyslipidemia in pathogenesis of various conditions, such as obesity , cancer , interstitial fibrosis , coronary artery disease , liver steatosis , ophthalmic diseases , psychiatric disorders , Alzheimer's disease , atherosclerosis , polycystic ovary syndrome , chronic renal failure , birth defects , clinical depression , X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy, Zellweger syndrome, neonatal adrenoleukodystrophy, infantile Refsum disease , diabetes and other diseases . Although not fully understood, the mechanisms explaining co‐occurrence of dyslipidemia, obesity and other comorbidities are with no doubt complex and multifaceted .…”

“…Also Genio et al . observed higher levels of 20:3 n‐6 and AA within PHLs forming erythrocyte membranes in obese subjects and suggested that this may result in their greater membrane peroxidizability . Some authors emphasized the need for further research on the role of 20:3 n‐6 , because large amounts of this FA have been found within plasma PHLs .…”

“…The effects of obesity on the composition of PHLs were studied in erythrocytes as well . An analysis of PHL composition of erythrocyte plasma membranes showed that the former is associated with insulin sensitivity in obese subjects .…”

“…Complex lipids, such as PHLs and SPLs, are particularly vulnerable to oxidation because of presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in their structures . Obesity is also associated with substantial quantitative and qualitative alterations of serum FA profile , as well as with changes in the composition of polar lipids in erythrocytes . Inflammation and lypolysis promote release of ceramides (Cer), the major intermediate of SPL metabolism, from adipocytes of obese subjects, which are reflected by an increase in their blood concentration .…”