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Regulation of apolipoprotein secretion by long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in newborn swine enterocytes

H Wang1, S Lu, J Du

  • 1Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, USA.

American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
|May 16, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Adding n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) like DHA and EPA to infant formula impacts apolipoprotein secretion and lipid synthesis in developing enterocytes. These changes warrant consideration before widespread supplementation.

Area of Science:

  • Nutrition Science
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are crucial for nervous system development.
  • Supplementation of infant formula with LC-PUFA is a common practice.
  • The specific effects of n-3 LC-PUFA on enterocyte lipid metabolism and apolipoprotein secretion require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on apolipoprotein secretion and lipid synthesis in newborn swine enterocytes (IPEC-1 cells).

Main Methods:

  • IPEC-1 cells were treated with DHA or EPA complexed with albumin, or with albumin alone (control).
  • Oleic acid (OA) was used as a control for lipid-labeling studies.
  • Apolipoprotein secretion, synthesis, and mRNA levels were analyzed, alongside cellular and secreted lipid labeling.

Main Results:

  • Both DHA and EPA significantly reduced apolipoprotein B secretion by 50%.
  • EPA increased apolipoprotein A-I secretion, primarily in the high-density lipoprotein fraction.
  • EPA reduced triacylglycerol labeling by 50%, while both DHA and EPA decreased phospholipid labeling compared to OA.
  • DHA doubled labeled phospholipid secretion, whereas EPA decreased labeled triacylglycerol secretion by 75%.

Conclusions:

  • n-3 LC-PUFA (DHA and EPA) modulate apolipoprotein secretion and lipid metabolism in swine enterocytes.
  • Observed changes in apolipoprotein secretion and lipid synthesis suggest potential implications for infant nutrition.
  • These findings highlight the need for careful consideration of LC-PUFA supplementation in infant formulas due to their complex metabolic effects.

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