Trans fatty acid effects in experimental atherosclerosis

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Biochemistry
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Trans unsaturated fatty acids (TFAs) are formed during edible oil hydrogenation and their consumption has increased with margarine use.
• Previous studies on TFAs and atherosclerosis in animals yielded mixed results regarding hypercholesterolemic and atherogenic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of dietary trans fatty acids on lipid levels, hepatic enzyme activity, and atherosclerosis in rabbits.
• To assess the impact of trans fatty acids on serum lipid profiles and aortic sudanophilia in vervet monkeys.

Main Methods:

• Rabbits were fed cholesterol-free diets with 3.2% or 6.0% trans fatty acids, and hepatic enzyme activities were measured.
• Vervet monkeys consumed the same diets for up to one year, followed by a control diet, with serum lipids and aortic sudanophilia assessed.

Main Results:

• Trans fatty acid diets in rabbits caused slight hyperlipidemia but did not increase atherogenicity compared to controls.
• Monoamine oxidase activity was reduced in rabbits fed the higher trans fatty acid diet.
• Dietary trans fatty acids did not affect serum or lipid levels or aortic sudanophilia in vervet monkeys, with serum TFA levels normalizing post-cessation.

Conclusions:

• Trans fatty acids appear to have a hypercholesterolemic effect.
• Trans fatty acids do not influence aortic atherosclerosis in rabbits or aortic sudanophilia in vervet monkeys.
• Serum trans fatty acid levels reflect dietary intake and return to normal after dietary withdrawal.