[Changes in fatty acid composition of the plasma and erythrocytes in osteochondrosis]

Alteration of fatty acid composition was studied in blood plasma and erythrocytes of 14 patients with osteochondrosis under conditions of relief-diet therapy. During the period of full starvation distinct decrease in content of linoleic and eicosatrienic acids as well as an increase in content of palmitic, oleic and arachidonic acids were detected in blood plasma. Shifts in the ratio linoleic/arachidonic acids towards an increase in content of arachidonic acid appear to occur as a result of adaptation to stress caused by hunger. These alterations in the fatty acid spectrum of blood plasma, observed during starvation, were normalized within two weeks of recreative diet therapy. Deficiency in polyunsaturated fatty acids was not found in erythrocyte membranes under conditions of the relief-diet therapy course used.