Effect of ingestion of isomeric fatty acids on cholesterol and lipids of serum and liver

The effect of the ingestion of large amounts of thetrans, trans isomer of linolein upon the cholesterol and lipid levels of the blood and liver was investigated using hypercholesterolemic rats. The serum levels of esterified fatty acids and cholesterol of rats fed the diets containing 30% oftrans, trans linoleic acid glycerides and safflower oil were 15 and 25%, respectively, lower than those fed coconut oil. However, a weight loss associated with less intake of thetrans isomer as compared with a gain with the other two fats must be considered. The serum levels of labeled cholesterol of rats administered radioactive cholesterol along with thetrans isomer were intermediate in maximum value as compared to the levels obtained with coconut and safflower oils. These results suggest that thetrans isomers are not as effective as thecis isomers in lowering the cholesterol and lipids of the blood. The livers of the former group had a lower fat content than the latter which might be accounted for in part by the lower fat intake Presented at AOCS Meeting, Houston, Texas, 1965.