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(n-6)-Fatty acids in plasma lipids of children with atopic bronchial asthma
M Leichsenring1, U Kochsiek, K Paul
1Paul György-Laboratory for Nutrition Research, University Children's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
Insights
Atopic children do not show impaired delta-6 desaturation. This study found no evidence of a fatty acid desaturation defect in children with atopic asthma, questioning the need for supplements like evening primrose oil.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
- Pediatric Allergy
Background:
- Atopy, particularly atopic asthma, has been linked to impaired delta-6 desaturation of (n-6)-polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- This potential impairment could lead to reduced levels of essential eicosanoid precursors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis of impaired delta-6 desaturation in children with atopic asthma.
- To analyze plasma lipid fatty acid composition in atopic asthmatic children compared to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of plasma phospholipid and plasma cholesterol ester fatty acid composition.
- Comparison between 17 children with atopic bronchial asthma and 10 age-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Atopic children exhibited significantly higher linoleic acid levels.
- Lower proportions of arachidonic acid were observed in the plasma lipids of atopic children.
- No significant differences in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) or dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DHLA) levels were found.
Conclusions:
- The study found no biochemical evidence supporting a delta-6 desaturation defect in atopic children.
- Results do not justify the supplementation of GLA and DHLA for atopic asthma, such as through evening primrose oil.
Abstract:
It has been suggested that atopy is associated with an impairment in the delta 6-desaturation of (n-6)-polyunsaturated fatty acids and subsequently low levels of eicosanoid precursors. To evaluate this hypothesis we analyzed the fatty acid composition of plasma phospholipids and plasma cholesterol esters in a well-defined group of children with atopic bronchial asthma (n = 17) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 10). Atopic children showed significantly higher levels of linoleic acid and lower proportions of arachidonic acid in plasma lipids. No differences were observed with respect to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DHLA). It is concluded that there is no biochemical evidence for a delta 6-desaturation defect in atopic children and therefore no justification for the supplementation of GLA and DHLA; e.g., by the use of evening primrose oil preparations.