[Effect of short- or medium-chain fatty acids on cholesterol dynamics in the rat]

The effects of a diet consisting of 10% medium-chain triglycerides (C8:0, C10:0) or 10% homogeneous triglycerides of 6- to 14-carbon chain saturated fatty acids on cholesterol turnover processes were studied in rats using the isotope equilibrium method. Cholesterol absorption was not significantly affected by the type of dietary fatty acid ingested. In contrast, lengthening of the fatty acid chain caused a moderate increase in the rates of cholesterol secretion (internal and external) and of transformation into bile acids. Thus, cholesterol synthesis was 80% higher in rats fed trimyristin (25.7 mg/day) than in those receiving tricaproin (14.6 mg/day). This increase seems essentially due to stimulated liver cholesterogenesis, as shown by in vivo incorporation of 14C-acetate.