Abnormal plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid pattern in non-active inflammatory bowel disease

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Biochemistry
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Abnormal plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) patterns, characterized by increased n3 and decreased n6 PUFAs, are observed in active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• A hypothesis suggests a primary defect in PUFA metabolism may underlie IBD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate plasma PUFA patterns in patients with inactive IBD.
• To compare PUFA patterns in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients who underwent colectomy versus those without colectomy and in Crohn's disease (CD) patients.

Main Methods:

• Plasma fatty acids were analyzed using semi-capillary column gas-liquid chromatography.
• Three groups of inactive IBD patients were studied: UC without colectomy (n=24), UC with colectomy (n=15), and CD (n=27).
• Comparison was made against control groups.

Main Results:

• Patients with inactive UC (both operated and non-operated) and CD exhibited significantly higher plasma concentrations and percentages of C22:6n3 and higher unsaturation indices compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
• These elevated n3 PUFA markers were more pronounced in remission due to the absence of confounding factors like malnutrition, steroids, and active inflammation.
• The persistence of these abnormalities in both operated and non-operated UC groups was noted.

Conclusions:

• Inactive IBD is associated with an altered plasma PUFA profile, notably increased n3 fatty acids, suggesting enhanced PUFA biosynthesis.
• The findings indicate a potential primary abnormality in PUFA metabolism in IBD, which is evident even during remission and across different disease phenotypes and surgical histories.