The Δ5 and Δ6 desaturation of fatty acids of varying chain length by rat liver: A preliminary report

The Δ6 desaturase of rat liver can accommodate substrates with a wide range of chain lengths. Δ9-cis,12-cis-Dienoic acids of chain lengths 14–22 carbon atoms were all desaturated at the Δ6 position by microsomal preparations from rat liver. By contrast, the Δ5 desaturase appeared much more chain-length sensitive. The percentage Δ5 desaturation of a series of Δ8-cis- and Δ9-trans-monoenoic acids increased with increasing chain length (from C₁₆ to C₂₀).     

Desaturation of isomericcis 18∶1 acids

The desaturation of positionalcis 18∶1 isomers (Δ4 through Δ11) was studied, using essential fatty acid deficient rat liver microsomes. Thecis Δ4, Δ5, Δ6 and Δ7 isomers were not desaturated. Thecis Δ10 and Δ11 isomers were desaturated at a very low rate. The maximum desaturation was obtained for Δ8 and Δ9 isomers. Thecis Δ8 and Δ11 isomers were desaturated by Δ5 desaturase; thecis Δ9 isomer was desaturated by Δ6 desaturase; and thecis Δ10 isomer was desaturated to Δ7,10 and 5,10–18∶2 acids.     

Fatty Acid Desaturation and Elongation Reactions of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoderma</Emphasis> sp. 1-OH-2-3

The fatty acid desaturation and elongation reactions catalyzed by Trichoderma sp. 1-OH-2-3 were investigated. This strain converted palmitic acid (16:0) mainly to stearic acid (18:0), and further to oleic acid (c9-18:1), linoleic acid (c9,c12-18:2), and α-linolenic acid (c9,c12,c15-18:3) through elongation, and Δ9, Δ12, and Δ15 desaturation reactions, respectively. Palmitoleic acid (c9-16:1) and cis-9,cis-12-hexadecadienoic acid were also produced from 16:0 by the strain. This strain converted n-tridecanoic acid (13:0) to cis-9-heptadecenoic acid and further to cis-9,cis-12-heptadecadienoic acid through elongation, and Δ9 and Δ12 desaturation reactions, respectively. trans-Vaccenic acid (t11-18:1) and trans-12-octadecenoic acid (t12-18:1) were desaturated by the strain through Δ9 desaturation. The products derived from t11-18:1 were identified as the conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) of cis-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid and trans-9,trans-11-octadecadienoic acid. The product derived from t12-18:1 was identified as cis-9,trans-12-octadecadienoic acid. cis-6,cis-9-Octadecadienoic acid was desaturated to cis-6,cis-9,cis-12-octadecatrienoic acid by this strain through Δ12 desaturation. The broad substrate specificity of the elongation, and Δ9 and Δ12 desaturation reactions of the strain is useful for fatty acid biotransformation.     

Effects of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on the hepatic microsomal desaturation activities in vitro

The influence of individual conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers on the Δ6 desaturation of linoleic and α-linolenic acids and on the Δ9 desaturation of stearic acid was investigated in vitro, using rat liver microsomes. The Δ6 desaturation of 18∶2n−6 was decreased from 23 to 38% when the ratio of 9cis,11trans-18∶2 to 18∶2n−6 increased from 0.5 to 2. The compound 10trans,12cis-18∶2 exhibited a similar effect only at the highest concentration. The Δ6 desaturation of α-linolenic acid was slightly affected by the presence of CLA isomers. The sole isomer to induce an inhibitory effect on the Δ9 desaturation of stearic acid was 10trans,12cis-18∶2.     

Differential alteration of Δ9 and Δ6 desaturation of fatty acids in rat brain preparations in vitro

Developing rat brain has the capacity for either Δ9 or Δ6 desaturation of fatty acids. In liver, evidence supports the existence of separate enzymes for each reaction, but it is not known whether in brain Δ9 or Δ6 desaturation of saturated fatty acids involves distinct enzymes. We have used fatty acids, including the cyclopropene fatty acid, sterculic acid, to alter desaturation activities with substrates that are desaturated predominantly in the Δ9 position or in the Δ6 position. In addition, differential alteration of desaturation of plamitic acid, a substrate that can be desaturated in either the Δ9 or Δ6 positions by brain preparations from neonatal rats, was examined. Sterculate reduced Δ9 desaturation of palmitate 80–90% but reduced Δ6 desaturation only 35%. In contrast, linoleic acid preferentially reduced Δ6 desaturation of palmitate. Thus, Δ9 desaturation of saturated fatty acids appears to be catalyzed by an enzyme or enzyme site distinct from that for Δ6 desaturation. Accordingly, these activities may be independently regulated during crucial stages of brain development.     

The influence oftrans-acids on desaturation and elongation of fatty acids in developing brain

trans-Monounsaturated acids account for up to 3% of the total octadecenoic acyl chains of human brain lipids. To investigate the influence oftrans-acids on desaturation and chain elongation of fatty acids, in vitro and in vivo experiments with rat brain were performed. In the in vitro assays of Δ9 desaturation, Δ6 desaturation and chain elongation,trans,trans-dienoic acid was inhibitory, particularly to chain elongation. Slight differences between the inhibitory effects oftrans-monoenoic acids and theircis-isomers were observed. In an in vivo model, unlabeled fatty acid (stearate, oleate, elaidate, linoleate, linoelaidate, arachidonate, ortrans-monoene from margarine) was injected simultaneously with [1-¹⁴C] linoleic acid into the brains of suckling rats. Linoelaidate and oleate inhibited desaturation and elongation of linoleate, whereas elaidate, stearate andtrans-monoene from margarine were stimulatory. While the demonstration of differences betweencis andtrans monoenic isomers required relatively high levels of the test acids, it appears thattrans-acids can influence desaturation and elongation enzymes that lead to acyl chain modification in the central nervous system. Portions of this study were presented at the meeting of the American Oil Chemists' Society and the International Society for Fat Research in New York, NY, April 1980.     

Effect of different acids with Δ9,12-dienoic structures on Δ9 desaturation activity in rat liver microsomes

The effect of oral administration, for 24 or 48 hr, of different octadeca fatty acids containing a 9,12-dienoic structure on the fatty acid composition and Δ9 desaturation activity of liver microsomes of rat fed a fat-free diet was studied. The ethyl esters of linoelaidic and γ-linolenic acids, the methyl ester of linoleic acid and free columbinic acid were administered to rats maintained on a fat-free diet. The supplementation of the fat-free diet with linoelaidate produced no relevant changes in the fatty acid composition pattern of liver microsomes and did not modify the percentage of conversion of palmitic to palmitoleic acid. The addition of linoleate or γ-linolenate to the fat-free diet returned liver microsome Δ9 desaturation activity toward the control and partially restored the liver microsome fatty acid spectrum found in the fat-free diet. Columbinic acid (5-trans-9-cis,12-cis-18∶3), which cannot be transformed into arachidonic acid, also decreased the Δ9 desaturation activity enhanced by the fat-free diet and evoked changes in the microsomal fatty acid composition similar to those produced by the ω6 fatty acids. These results suggest that the modulation of Δ9 desaturase activity evoked by dietary administration of unsaturated acids of ω6 series would depend on thecis double bond configuration of these acids.     

Absorption and distribution of deuterium-labeledtrans- andcis-11-octadecenoic acid in human plasma and lipoprotein lipids

Triglycerides of deuterium-labeledtrans-11-,trans-11-cis-11- andcis-9-octadecenoic acid (11t-18∶1-²H, 11c-18∶1-²H) were simultaneously fed to two young adult male subjects. Plasma lipids from blood samples collected periodically for 48 hr were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The results indicate (i) the Δ11-18∶1-²H acids and 9c-18∶1-²H were equally well absorbed; (ii) relative turnover rates were higher for the Δ11-18-1-²H acids in plasma triglycerides; (iii) incorporation of the Δ11-18∶1-²H acids into plasma phosphatidylcholine was similar to 9c-18∶1-²H, but distribution at the 1-and 2-acyl positions was substantially different; (iv) esterification of cholesterol with 11t-18∶1 was extremely low; (v) chain shortening of the Δ11-18∶1-²H acids was 2–3 times greater than for 9c-18∶1-²H; (vi) no evidence for desaturation or elongation of the 18∶1-²H acids was detected; and (vii) a 40% isotopic dilution of the 18∶1-²H acids in the chylomicron triglyceride fraction indicated the presence of a substantial intestinal triglyceride pool. Based on our present knowledge, these metabolic results for Δ11-18∶1 acids present in hydrogenated oils and animal fats indicate that the Δ11 isomers are no more likely than 9c-18∶1 to contribute to dietary fat-related health problems.     

Catalytic hydrogenation of linoleic acid on nickel,copper, and palladium

The catalytic activity and selectivity for hydrogenation of linoleic acid were studied on Ni, Cu, and Pd catalysts. A detailed analysis of the reaction product was performed by a gas-liquid chromatograph, equipped with a capillary column, and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Geometrical and positional isomerization of linoleic acid occurred during hydrogenation, and many kinds of linoleic acid isomers (trans-9,trans-12; trans-8,cis-12 orcis-9,trans-13; cis-9,trans-12; trans-9,cis-12 andcis-9,cis-12 18∶2) were contained in the reaction products. The monoenoic acids in the partial hydrogenation products contained eight kinds of isomers and showed different isomer distributions on Ni, Cu, and Pd catalysts, respectively. The positional isomers of monoenoic acid were produced by double-bond migration during hydrogenation. On Ni and Pd catalysts, the yield ofcis-12 andtrans-12 monoenoic acids was larger than that ofcis-9 andtrans-9 monoenoic acids. On the contrary, the yield ofcis-9 andtrans-9 monoenoic acids was larger than that ofcis-12 andtrans-12 monoenoic acids on Cu catalyst. From these results, it is concluded that the double bond closer to the methyl group (Δ12) and that to the carboxyl group (Δ9) show different reactivity for hydrogenation on Ni, Cu, and Pd catalysts. Monoenoic acid formation was more selective on Cu catalyst than on Ni and Pd catalysts.     

Effect of dietary fatty acids on Δ5 desaturase activity and biosynthesis of arachidonic acid in rat liver microsomes

The effect of different fatty acids supplemented to a fat-free diet on the activity of Δ5 desaturase was studied. Fat-free diet produces a reduction in the conversion of eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acid to arachidonic acid. The addition of thecis-ω6 acids, linoleic, γ-linolenic or arachidonic to the diet produces an increase of eicosatrienoic acid desaturation, shifting Δ5 desaturase activity towards the controls on a balanced diet. This reactivation is apparently produced by induction of enzyme biosynthesis since linoleate effect was suppressed by simultaneous cycloheximide injection. On the contrary, no changes in Δ5 desaturation activity were found when the diet was supplemented with palmitic or 9-trans,12-trans-linoleic acid. The changes on the activity of Δ5 desaturase were compared with the fatty acid composition of plasma and liver microsomes.     

Characterization of trans-monounsaturated alkenyl chains in total plasmalogens (1-O-alk-1′-enyl-2-acyl glycerophospholipids) from sheep heart

In the present study, we investigated the alkenyl chains from sheep heart plasmalogens (1-O-alk-1′-enyl-2-acyl glycerophospholipids) after their conversion into trimethylene dioxyalkanyl (TMDOA) derivatives. Particular attention was given to monounsaturated alkenyl chains (C₁₈ mainly). For this purpose, a combination of silver ion TLC and GLC on highly polar, very long capillary columns was applied to TMDOA derivatives. Approximately 30 different alkenyl chains could be separated, and the main observation was that the component previously reported as a cis-9 18∶1 alkenyl chain in plasmalogens embraces in fact a wide range of trans and cis isomers, in amounts equal to 7.9 and 5.6%, respectively, of total alkenyl chains. Concerning the trans-monoenoate fraction, isomers with their ethylenic bond spanning from Δ6–Δ8 to Δ16 were tentatively identified on the basis of their distribution profile, which was similar to that of trans-18∶1 acids prepared and isolated from sheep adipose tissue. The main trans-monoenoic C₁₈ alkenyl chain in sheep heart plasmalogens would thus have its double bond in position 11, which seems logical, as alkenyl chains are derived from the corresponding alcohols, themselves issued from the corresponding FA, and in this particular case, vaccenic (trans-11 18∶1) acid. cis-Monoenoic C₁₈ alkenyl chains also appear more complex than realized earlier, showing in particular isomers with their ethylenic bond farther than the Δ9 position, in addition to the main isomer derived from oleic acid. Several trans-16∶1 alkenyl chains could be observed (totaling ca. 1%), but cis-16∶1 isomers were present in trace amounts only.     

Conversion of 18∶3 Δ9cis, 12cis, 15trans in rat liver microsomes

Several years ago, it was established that the Δ15 trans isomer of α-linolenic acid is converted in vivo into fatty acids containing 20 and 22 carbons (geometrical isomers of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids). The present study focused on the in vitro Δ6 desaturation, the first step of the biosynthesis of the n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids from 18:3n-3. For that purpose, rat liver microsomes were prepared and incubated with radiolabeled 18∶3 Δ9cis, 12cis, 15cis (18∶3 c,c,c) or 18∶3 Δ9cis, 12cis, 15trans (18∶3c,c,t) under desaturation conditions. The data show that 18∶3c,c,t is converted at a lower rate compared with α-linolenic acid. The product of conversion of 18∶3 c,c,t may be 18∶4 Δ6cis, 9cis, 12cis, 15trans resulting from a Δ6 desaturation of the trans substrate. Moreover, the conversion of radiolabeled 18∶3c,c,t was strongly decreased by the presence of 18∶3c,c,c (up to 48%) while the 18∶3c,c,t only slightly decreased the conversion of radiolabeled 18∶3c,c,c. Thus, the desaturation enzyme presented a higher affinity for the native all-cis n-3 substrate.     

Studies on monoene fatty acid isomers in hydrogenated fish oils

An analytical study of the geometrical and positional isomerisation of the monoenoic acids of partially hydrogenated fish oil is presented. The results showed that the monoene fatty acids of chain lengths 16, 18, 20 and 22 consisted of 75% in thetrans-form and 25% in thecis-form. The double bonds were distributed symmetrically over the chain length, with well defined maxima in position Δ-9 for the fatty acids of chain length 16 and 18, and in position Δ-11 for the fatty acids of chain length 20 and 22.Trans- andcis-isomers showed the same positional distribution. Geometric as well as positional isomerization seemed to have reached an equilibrium state in the sample investigated. Presented at the ISF-AOCS World Congress, Chicago, October 1970.     

Biosynthesis of conjugated linoleic acid in humans

This paper deals with the reanalysis of serum lipids from previous studies in which deuterated fatty acids were administered to a single person. Samples were reanalyzed to determine if the deuterated fatty acids were converted to deuterium-labeled conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, 9c, 11t-18∶2) or other CLA isomers. We found 11-trans-octadecenoate (fed as the triglyceride) was converted (Δ9 desaturase) to CLA, at a CLA enrichment ofca. 30%. The 11-cis-octadecenoate isomer was also converted to 9c, 11c-18∶2, but at <10% the concentration of the 11t-18∶1 isomer. No evidence (within our limits of detection) for conversion of 10-cis-or 10-trans-octadecenoate to the 10,12-CLA isomers (Δ12 desaturase) was found. No evidence for the conversion of 9-cis, 12-cis-octadecadienoate to CLA (via isomerase enzyme) was found. Although these data come from isomerase enzyme) was found. Although these data come from four single human subject studies, data from some 30 similar human studies have convinced us that the existence of a metabolic pathway in one subject may be extrapolated to the normal adult population.     

Identification of noveltrans isomers of 20∶5n−3 in liver lipids of rats fed a heated oil

Trans polyunsaturated n−3 fatty acids are formed as a result of the heat treatment of vegetable oils. It was demonstrated previously that the 18∶3 Δ9cis, 12cis, 15trans containing acis Δ9 ethylenic bond was converted to a geometrical isomer of 20∶5n−3, the 20∶5 Δ5cis, 8cis, 11cis, 14cis, 17trans. In the present study, we have identified two new isomers of eicosapentaenoic acid, the Δ11 monotrans and the Δ11, 17 ditrans isomers in liver of rats fed a heated oil. These are formed as a result of the conversion of two of the main isomers of linolenic acid which are present in refined and frying oils, the 18∶3 Δ9trans, 12cis, 15cis and the 18∶3 Δ9trans, 12cis, 15trans.     

An unusual fatty acid pattern inEranthis seed oil

The current discussion on “renewable resources”, and the possibility of gene transfer into rapeseed, has led to many investigations into the biosynthetic pathways leading to industrially useful fatty acids. The various tribes and genera of the plant familyRanunculaceae contain a large variety of unusual fatty acids. Seed fatty acid patterns differ considerably from genus to genus and are chemotaxonomically significant indicators.Eranthis seed oil has now been found to contain a fatty acid pattern that deviates significantly from the eleven different fatty acid patterns that had been described in this plant family. The main fatty acid (up to 57%) is 13-cis, 16-cis-docosadienoic acid. Other, minor fatty acids found are Δ5-cis-monoenoic,-dienoic, and-trienoic fatty acids that had already been reported to be constituents of the genus-specific seed oil fatty acid patterns of various genera from this plant family. Capillary gas-liquid chromatographic retention data indicate that 22:3Δ5cis, 13cis, 16cis is probably also present. Seed fatty acid chemotaxonomic evidence thus points to a different position ofEranthis within the tribes of this plant family. These findings again indicate that the plant familyRanunculaceae would be an ideal object to study fatty acid biosynthesis and phylogenetic evolution, because in other genera of this family other types of desaturation and chain elongation mechanisms predominate.     

Structural importance of thecis-5 ethylenic bond in the endogenous desaturation product of dietary elaidic acid,cis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid,for the acylation of rat mitochondria phosphatidylinositol

When rats were fed elaidic (trans-9 18∶1) acid at a high load in diets that were otherwise marginally or almost completely deficient in linoleic (cis-9,cis-12 18∶2) acid, elaidic acid was desaturated tocis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid. This polymethylene-interrupted acid was then incorporated into most phospholipids from rat mitochondria, cardiolipin being an exception. Its level of esterification in phospholipids followed the increasing order: phosphatidylethanolamine <phosphatidylcholine < phosphatidylinositol (PI). The content ofci-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid decreased in organs in the order liver > kidney > heart. The levels ofcis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid increased in mitochondria phospholipids as the level of linoleic acid was lowered in the diet. In liver mitochondria PI, it reached 16% of total fatty acids. After hydrolysis of liver mitochondria PI withNaja naja phospholipase A₂, we observed that elaidic acid was essentially esterified to position 1 at the expense of saturated acids, whereascis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acid was exclusively esterified to position 2, along with 20∶3n−9 and 20∶4n−6 acids. As a consequence, the sums of saturated andtrans-9 18∶1 acids on the one hand, and of 20∶3n−9, 20∶4n−6, andcis-5,trans-9 18⩺2 acids on the other hand, remained fairly constant in liver mitochondria PI (ca. 55 and 30%, respectively). Becausetrans-9 18∶1 andcis-5,trans-9 18∶2 acids differ only by thecis-5 ethylenic bond, which is also present in 20∶3n−9 and 20∶4n−6 acids, this distribution pattern indicates that thecis-5 double bond, rather than any other ethylenic bond, may be of major structural importance for channeling fatty acids to position 2 of PI.     

Occurrence of n−5 monounsaturated fatty acids in jujube pulp lipids

The pulp lipids of jujube (Zizyphus jujuba var.inermis) fruit have been shown by chromatographic, spectrometric and chemical analyses to contain a series ofcis-monoenoic fatty acids with n−5 unsaturation as major acyl moieties. The total concentration of these n−5 fatty acids, such as 14∶1n−5, 16∶1n−5 and 18∶1n−5, ranged from 22 to 54% of total fatty acids in the pulp lipids of 11 different sources. The main component of the n−5 homologues was 16∶1n−5 in all cases. Other monoenoic acids with n−7 unsaturation, namely palmitoleic (cis-9-hexadecenoic) acid andcis-vaccenic (cis-11-octadecenoic) acid, as well as with n−9 unsaturation, namely oleic acid, were also identified. In the seed lipids of jujube fruit, none of the n−5 monoenoic acids could be detected. Thus the jujube pulp lipids are characterized by the predominance of n−5 monoenoic acid isomers.     

Alteration of long chain fatty acids of herring oil during hydrogenation on nickel catalyst

During hydrogenation of a refined herring(Clupea harengus) oil iodine value (IV) 119, on a commercial nickel catalyst, samples were collected at IV 108, 101, 88 and 79. In the early stages of the process, IV 119 to IV 101, the positional and geometrical isomerization of the long chain monoenoic fatty acids (20:1 and 22:1) was hindered by the stronger absorption on the catalyst surface of the polyenes with 4, 5 and 6 double bonds. Consequently at IV 101, 70% of these polyenes had been converted to dienoic and trienoic fatty acids, but only 3-4%trans 20:1 and 22:1 accumulated. As the hydrogenation proceeded, IV 101 to IV 79, the originaleis 20:1 and 22:1 isomers (mainly Δ11 with some ΔA9 and Δ13) decreased and new positional and geometrical isomers (both cis andtrans in positions Δ6 to Δ15) were formed. The majortrans isomers were Δ11 accompanied by important proportions of Δ10 and Δ12. At IV 79, moretrans 20:1 (ca. 36%) thantrans 22:1 (ca. 29%) was detected. Monoethylenic fatty acids newly formed from polyethylenic fatty acids made only minor contributions to the total 20:1 and 22:1 at these levels of hydrogenation, but a “memory effect” which skews the proportions of minorcis andtrans isomers can be attributed to the proportions of minorcis 22:1 isomers (Δ9, Δ13 and Δ15) orginally present. Presented in part at AOCS Annual Conference, San Francisco, May 1979.     

Incorporation oftrans long-chain n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in rat brain structures and retina

During heat treatment, polyunsaturated fatty acids and specifically 18∶3n−3 can undergo geometrical isomerization. In rat tissues, 18∶3 Δ9c, 12c, 15t, one of thetrans isomers of linolenic acid, can be desaturated and elongated to givetrans isomers of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The present study was undertaken to determine whether such compounds are incorporated into brain structures that are rich in n−3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Two fractions enriched intrans isomers of α-linolenic acid were prepared and fed to female adult rats during gestation and lactation. The pups were killed at weaning. Synaptosomes, brain microvessees and retina were shown to contain the highest levels (about 0.5% of total fatty acids) of thetrans isomer of docosahexaenoic acid (22∶6 Δ4c, 7c, 10c, 13c, 16c, 19t). This compound was also observed in myelin and sciatic nerve, but to a lesser extent (0.1% of total fatty acids). However, the ratios of 22∶6trans to 22∶6cis were similar in all the tissues studied. When the diet was deficient in α-linolenic acid, the incorporation oftrans isomers was apparently doubled. However, comparison of the ratios oftrans 18∶3n−3 tocis 18∶3n−3 in the diet revealed that thecis n−3 fatty acids were more easily desaturated and elongated to 22∶6n−3 than the correspondingtrans n−3 fatty acids. An increase in 22∶5n−6 was thus observed, as has previously been described in n−3 fatty acid deficiency. These results encourage further studies to determine whether or not incorporations of suchtrans isomers into tissues may have physiological implications. Presented in part at the 32nd International Conference on the Biochemistry of Lipids, 1991, Granada, Spain. Delta nomenclature (Δ) is used fortrans polyunsaturated fatty acids to specify the position and geometry of ethylenic bonds. Polyunsaturated fatty acids containingtrans double bonds are abbreviated giving the locations of thetrans double bonds only; e.g., 20∶5 Δ17t 20∶5 Δ5c,8c,11c,14c,17t; 22∶5 Δ19t, 22∶5 Δ7c,10c,13c,16c,19t; 22∶6 Δ19t 22∶6 Δ4c,7c,10c,13c,16c,19t.