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Long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids improve endothelial function with altering microbial flora
Rie Tsutsumi1, Yuki Yamasaki1, Jiro Takeo2
1Department of Nutrition and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan.
Summary
Fish oil long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LCMUFAs) improve endothelial function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors. These fatty acids positively impact gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acid production.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Health
- Nutritional Science
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
- Long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (LCMUFAs) from fish oil show promise in mitigating cardiovascular risk.
- Endothelial dysfunction is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of LCMUFAs on endothelial function in both mice and humans.
- To explore the impact of specific LCMUFAs (gadoleic acid C20:1 and cetoleic acid C22:1) on cardiovascular risk markers.
- To elucidate the role of gut microbiota modulation in mediating the benefits of LCMUFAs.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 60 healthy human subjects consuming LCMUFA oil or control oil for 4 weeks.
- An animal study using ApoE-/- mice fed a Western diet supplemented with C20:1 or C22:1 for 12 weeks.
- Analysis of endothelial function, plasma biomarkers (e.g., trimethylamine-N-oxide, inflammatory cytokines), and gut microbiota composition.
Main Results:
- LCMUFA consumption improved endothelial function and lowered trimethylamine-N-oxide levels in humans.
- C20:1 and C22:1 supplementation reduced atherosclerotic lesions and inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) in mice.
- Beneficial effects correlated with improved gut microbiota, increased Akkermansia, and enhanced short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-induced glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secretion.
Conclusions:
- Fish oil-derived LCMUFAs demonstrate significant benefits for cardiovascular health.
- LCMUFAs modulate the gut microbiota, leading to SCFA production and GLP-1 secretion.
- These mechanisms suggest LCMUFAs offer a protective effect against cardiovascular disease.
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