Effects of palm oil and transesterified palm oil on chylomicron and VLDL triacylglycerol structures and postprandial lipid response

The effects of positional distribution of triacylglycerol (TAG) fatty acids to TAG structures in chylomicrons and VLDL, and to postprandial lipemia, were studied in 10 healthy premenopausal women using a 6-h oral fat load test and a randomized, double-blind cross-over design. Molecular level information of TAG regioisomerism was obtained with a tandem mass spectrometric method. The positional distribution of fatty acids in chylomicron TAGs was similar to the respective dietary fat; 79% of the analyzed regioisomers in palm oil and 84% of the analyzed regioisomers in transesterified oil were found in chylomicron TAGs 3 h after the oral fat loads. VLDL TAGs were equal after the two fat loads in all but one regioisomer. Similarities in the fatty acid compositions of chylomicron TAGs suggest that palmitic acid was absorbed equally from both test fats. The proportion of palmitoleic acid in the chylomicrons was increased. Fat with palmitic acid predominantly in the sn-1 and sn-3 positions caused a larger incremental area of total TAGs in plasma and reduced plasma insulin values at the beginning of the postprandial response (0-90 min) compared with fat with palmitic acid randomly distributed. The relationship between TAG molecular structures in dietary fats and in lipoproteins provides new means for understanding the effects of fatty acid positional distribution on human lipid metabolism.     

Structured triacylglycerol containing medium-chain fatty acids in sn-1(3) facilitates the absorption of dietary long-chain fatty acids in rats

A study was carried out to examine if the positional distribution of medium chain fatty acids (MCF) in triacylglycerol influences dietary fat absorption in rats. Two types of structure-specific fats, one predominantly composed of MCF in sn-1(3) and iinoleic acid in sn-2 [sn1(3)MCF-structured] and the others of MCF in sn-2 and linoleic acid in sn-1(3) [sn-2MCF-structured], were initially prepared, and the two structure-specific fats were interesterified and designated as sn-1(3)MCF-interesterified and sn-2MCF-interesterified. Synthetic fat was mixed with an equal amount of cocoa butter (103 g/kg of diet) and was supplemented to the AIN93G-based diet. Rats were fed on the diets for 4 wk. Long-chain saturated fatty acids were the predominant fatty acids excreted into the feces, and the positional distribution of MCF resulted in an altered fat absorption rate (%) of 81.8, 82.5, 84.2 and 86.3 for the rats fed on the diets containing sn-2MCF-structured, sn-1(3)MCF-interesterified, sn-2MCF-interesterified and sn-1(3)MCF-structured fats, respectively. The proportion of MCF in the serum, liver and adipose tissue triacylglycerols was not affected by the MCF distribution of the dietary fats. These results indicate that the distribution of MCF in dietary triacylglycerol is a determinant of intestinal fat absorption.     

Complete stereospecific determination of conjugated linoleic acids in triacylglycerol of milk-fat

We analyzed two kinds of dairy fat differing in their contents of cis9, trans11-conjugated linoleic acid (cis9,trans 11-CLA or rumenic acid), and determined the positional distribution of this CLA-isomer within the three sn- positions of the triacylglycerol. In the high rumenic acid fat (HR), the CLA-isomers amounted to 2.1% of total fatty acids, and 0.8% in the low rumenic acid fat (LR). Over 90% of the total CLA-isomers were in the form of rumenic acid, with an identical isomeric CLA distribution in both fats. The two fats differed mainly with regards to their contents in palmitic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and isomers of trans-C 18:1. Conversely, our stereospecific determination indicates that the positional distribution of rumenic acid is preserved among both types of fat, and is more specific for the sn-3 position of the triacylglycerol (54 to 64% of the total rumenic acid). Such a positional distribution is believed to be nutritionally relevant.     

The determination of the asymmetrical stereochemical distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerols

The fatty acid distribution in triacylglycerols (TAGs) is a factor that contributes to the intrinsic properties of oils from different species variants. Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the specific distribution of fatty acids in the different naturally occurring oils. Currently, the 1,3-random-2-random theory is more or less accepted, but it has been widely shown that most vegetable oils do not behave randomly in the sn-1 and sn-3 stereochemical positions. For this reason, complex methodologies have been developed to analyze the fatty acid composition of the three stereochemical positions in TAGs. In this article, we propose that by calculating the asymmetric alpha coefficient, the stereochemical asymmetry of fatty acids in TAG molecular species can be defined. This coefficient reflects the relative content of fatty acids at the sn-1 and sn-3 positions and may overcome the problems found mainly with complex sn-1, sn-2, and sn-3 stereochemical analysis of fatty acids in TAG. The alpha coefficient is calculated from the fatty acid, sn-2 fatty acid, and TAG composition of the oil. Indeed, through this coefficient, it has been possible to show that, despite having the same overall content, the stearic acid distribution in the sn-1 and sn-3 positions is not random in some oils.     

Lipid nutritional indices,regioisomeric distribution,and thermal properties of Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens larvae fat

The fatty acid (FA) profile, nutritional index, and thermal properties of lipids from Tenebrio molitor and Hermetia illucens larvae were studied. T. molitor and H. illucens larvae had high lipid contents (respectively 28.8% and 42.6%), saturated (25.0% and 55.8%), monounsaturated (MUFA) (39.2% and 28.3%), and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids (35.8% and 15.9%). Both larvae fats contained beneficial ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9 FA. For T. molitor and H. illucens, the lipid nutritional indices were atherogenicity indices 0.68 and 2.75, thrombogenicity indices 0.58 and 0.74, and health-promoting indices 3.51 and 0.80 hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic acid ratio 1.38 and 0.23, suggesting the nutritional superiority of T. molitor larvae fat. Regioisomeric distribution analysis showed that PUFA in H. illucens larvae fat are concentrated on the sn-1,3 positions, whereas those in T. molitor larvae fat are distributed in all three positions. The thermal stability and crystallisation profiles differed for both larvae fats and demonstrated their potential use in thermally processed foods.     

Apparent convergence (at 2-monoacylglycerol level) of phosphatidic acid and 2-monoacylglycerol pathways of synthesis of chylomicron triacylglycerols

Dietary fats are converted into chylomicron triacylglycerols via the 2-monoacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid pathways of acylglycerol formation. In view of the known positional and fatty acid specificity of the acyltransferases, the triacylglycerol structures resulting from the two pathways would be expected to differ, but this has not been demonstrated. We have performed stereospecific analyses on the chylomicron triacylglycerols from rats fed menhaden oil and the corresponding fatty acid alkyl esters, which would be expected to be assimilated via the monoacylglycerol and the phosphatidic acid pathways, respectively. The results show a remarkable similarity between the two triacylglycerol types in the fatty acid composition of the sn-1 and sn-3 positions, along with marked differences in the composition of the sn-2 positions. The triacylglycerols from rats fed oil retained about 85% of the original fatty acids in the sn-2 position, including a high proportion of the long chain polyunsaturates (e.g., 5-7% 20:5 and 4-5% 22:6). The triacylglycerols from rats fed the alkyl ester contained large amounts of endogenous fatty acids in the sn-2 position (e.g., 18% 16:1, 14% 18:1, 14% 18:2, and 2.5% 20:4), which approximated the composition of the sn-2 position of the presumed phosphatidic acid intermediates. The sn-1 position contained a much higher proportion of polyunsatured fatty acids (e.g., 12-13% 20:5, 5-6% 22:6) than the sn-2 position (e.g. 2-3% 20:5, 0-0.6% 22:6) of triacylglycerols from rats fed the ester. We conclude that the chylomicron triacylglycerols arising via the 2-monoacylglycerol and the phosphatidic acid pathways differ mainly in the composition of the fatty acids in the sn-2 position. The similarity in the acids of the sn-1 and sn-3 positions of the chylomicron triacylglycerols from rats fed oil or ester is consistent with a hydrolysis of the acylglycerol products of the phosphatidic acid pathway to 2-monoacylglycerols prior to reconversion to triacylglycerols via the monoacylglycerol pathway and secretion as chylomicrons.     

Stereospecific analysis of major glycerolipids of Phycomyces blakesleeanus sporangiophores and mycelium.

The positional distribution of fatty acids was determined in the major groups of glycerolipids from the mycelium and sporangiophores of the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus. At the sn-1 positions of the triacylglycerols, in both regions of the fungus, greater than 65% of the fatty acids were 16:0 and 18:1. At the sn-2 positions of the triacylglycerols, 18:1, 18:2 and 18:3 comprised greater than 85% of the sporangial fatty acids and more than 90% of the mycelial fatty acids. Positions sn-3 of the triacylglycerols, from both regions of the fungus, contained approximately 40% of 16:0, approximately 30% of 18:2, and the largest proportions of 18:3 (21%) in the triacyglycerols. The major phosphoglycerides of P. blakesleeanus mycelium and sporangiophores are phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, and more than 85% of the fatty acids at the sn-1 positions of these phosphatides consisted of 16:0, 18:2, and 18:3. The sn-2 positions of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine contained approximately 98% unsaturated fatty acids. In the phosphoglycerides of both regions of the fungus, 18:2 and 18:3 constituted greater than 85% of the total fatty acids. Although the mycelium and sporangiophores of P. blakesleeanus had different morphological and physiological characteristics, the major glycerolipids of the two regions had similar stereospecific distributions of fatty acids.     

Effects of saturated and unsaturated fats given with and without dietary cholesterol on hepatic cholesterol synthesis and hepatic lipid metabolism

Hepatic cholesterol synthesis was studied in rats after consuming diets of varying neutral lipid and cholesterol content. Cholesterol synthesis was evaluated by measuring 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and by determining the rate of 3H-labeled sterol production from [3H]mevalonate. Results were correlated with sterol balance data and hepatic lipid content. Hepatic cholesterol synthesis was relatively great when cholesterol was excluded from the diet. The source of neutral dietary lipids, saturated vs. unsaturated, produced no change in hepatic sterol synthesis. Values for fecal sterol outputs and hepatic cholesterol levels were also similar in rats consuming either saturated or unsaturated fats. When 1% cholesterol was added to the diet, hepatic cholesterol synthesis was suppressed but the degree of suppression was greater in rats consuming unsaturated vs. saturated fats. This was associated with greater accumulation of cholesterol in livers from rats consuming unsaturates and a reduction in fecal neutral sterol output in this group as opposed to results from rats on saturated fats. Cholesterol consumption also altered the fatty acid composition of hepatic phospholipids producing decreases in the percentages of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is concluded that dietary cholesterol alters cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in the liver and that this effect is enhanced by dietary unsaturated fats.     

Dietary regulation of mammary lipogenesis in lactating rats.

The proportion of medium-chain fatty acids (C8:0, C10:0 and C12:0) in rat milk increased significantly between day 4 and day 8 of lactation and for the remainder of lactation these acids comprised 40-50mol% of the total fatty acids. The milk fatty acid composition from day 8 was markedly dependent on the presence of dietary fat and altered to include the major fatty acids of the fats (peanut oil, coconut oil and linseed oil). The distribution of fatty acids made within the gland, however, was independent of dietary lipid and C8:0, C10:0 and C12:0 acids accounted for over 70% of the fatty acids made. The rates of lipogenesis in both the mammary gland and liver determined in vivo after the administration of 3H2O were affected by the presence of dietary lipid. In the mammary gland the rate for rats fed a diet containing peanut oil for 7 days was only one fifth that for rats fed a fat-free diet. Coconut oil also suppressed lipogenesis. Both dietary fats also suppressed lipogenesis in the liver.     

Compositional changes of fatty acids in the 1(1")-and 2(2")-positions of cardiolipin from liver, heart, and kidney mitochondria of rats fed a low-fat diet

Cardiolipins from liver, heart and kidney mitochondria of rats fed a fat-free diet for 66 days have been analyzed for their fatty acid composition and positional distribution. The main effect was a dramatic decrease of linoleic acid which was counterbalanced by increases in the levels of palmitoleic, oleic and cis-vaccenic acids. Linoleic acid remains asymmetrically distributed between positions 1(1") and 2(2") with a positive selectivity for positions 1(1"). Its decrease is considerably faster in positions 2(2") than in positions 1(1"), which would suggest different rates of fatty acid turnover. Fat deficiency induces the appearance of 18:2(n-7) and a significant increase of 20:3(n-6) (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid) in liver and kidney cardiolipins. In contrast, 20:3(n-6) level remains unchanged in other mitochondrial phospholipids. 18:2(n-7) and 20:3(n-6) are almost evenly distributed between both pairs of positions. Both acids have a common structural feature, that is double bonds in positions 8 and 11. 20:3(n-9) accumulates in large amounts in other mitochondrial phospholipids, but not in cardiolipins. Although surprising, 20:3(n-6) has thus to be considered as a specific marker of deficiency for cardiolipins when it is esterified to positions 1(1"). Taking into account various analytical data, it would appear that positions 1(1") of cardiolipins can only incorporate unsaturated fatty acids containing at least one cis double bond in position 8 or 9, with no other double bond between these positions and the carboxylic group.     

The proportions of different lecithins in the livers of rats deficient in essential fatty acids

1. Lecithin was prepared from the livers of rats deficient in essential fatty acids and analysed by means of countercurrent distribution. Thin-layer chromatography showed that only lecithin was present. 2. The distributions of phosphorus and the fatty acids at the 3 and 2 positions were determined. 3. It has been shown that 26% of the fatty acids in the 3 position were unsaturated and that most of the Delta(5,8,11)-eicosatrienoic acid and the arachidonic acids occur as the stearoyl or oleoyl lecithins.     

The digestion of dietary triacylglycerols

Dietary triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the major lipid components in the human diet and they are carriers of energy as well as important fatty acids. Many factors affect the digestion and absorption of TAGs. Evidence is accumulating that, in addition to the overall fatty acid profile, the TAG structure and the species composition are of importance when considering the nutritional effects of a dietary fat. There is good evidence that in addition to its short-term effects in the intestine on absorption of fatty acids the TAG structure also has long-term effects resulting from differences in the profile of absorbed fatty acids. Observations on the different atherogenic potential of dietary fats have given us a clear indication of the importance of the TAG structure for absorption of saturated fatty acids. In this context, one may focus on the effects of the structure of dietary fats as such, or one may speculate additionally on the possibilities of modifying the structure of fats to affect their absorption and the distribution of the fatty acids in the body after digestion and uptake. In this review we will summarize diverse aspects of TAG digestion and absorption, as well as the influences of the fatty acid composition and the intramolecular structure of dietary TAGs on their digestion and absorption.     

In vivo distribution and turnover of trans- and cis-10-octadecenoic acid isomers in human plasma lipids

Triacylglycerols containing deuterium-labeled trans-10- and cis-10-octadecenoic acid (10t-18:1, 10c-18:1) plus the triacylglycerol of deuterated cis-9-octadecenoic acid (9c-18:1) were fed as a mixture to two young, adult male subjects. Analysis by mass spectroscopy of the labeled fats in blood samples collected periodically for 48 h allowed the uptake, distribution and turnover of both 10-octadecenoic acid isomers to be directly compared to 9c-18:1. A feature of this study is that actual weight data for the labeled fats were obtained. These data allowed plasma triacylglycerol turnover rates of 3.47-5.13 mg/min per kg to be estimated. Plasma and chylomicron triacylglycerol data also provided evidence that absorption of the deuterated fats mobilized 10-12 g of a triacylglycerol pool present in the intestinal cells. Other results are summarized as follows: the 10t-, 10c- and 9c-18:1 fatty acids were equally well absorbed, both delta 10-18:1 isomers were oxidized more rapidly than 9c-18:1, conversion of the delta 10-18:1 isomers into their corresponding 16:1 isomers was about 3-times faster than for 9c-18:1, the delta 10-18:1 isomers were preferentially incorporated at the 1-acyl and excluded from the 2-acyl position of phosphatidylcholine, esterification of cholesterol with the delta 10-18:1 fatty acids was 2.5-4.3-times slower than for 9c-18:1 and desaturation and elongation rates for the delta 10-18:1 acids were very low.     

Biochemistry of development in insects. Stereospecific incorporation of fatty acids into triacylglycerols.

1. Previous experiments showed that fatty acids were incorporated into triacylglycerols by homogenates of Ceratitis capitata larvae far more efficiently than by pharate adult homogenates. This metabolic behaviour of both stages of development of the insect has been interpreted throughout the existence of a different acyltransferase activity. To obtain new data on the acyltransferase mechanism, a time-course of the stereospecific incorporation of labelled myristic, palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids into the sn-positions of triacylglycerols has been followed. 2. Studies on the stereospecific incorporation of labelled fatty acids confirmed previous results. Palmitic acid was mainly incorporated into sn-1 and sn-3 positions whereas position 2 exhibited a low incorporation. Myristic acid acylated sn-3 position at a higher rate than it acylated the other sn-positions. Oleic acid was more specifically distributed than palmitic acid and linoleic acid was more efficiently incorporated than the monounsaturated acid. All these data reflect substrate differences in the acyltransferase activity of larval homogenates. Pharate adult homogenates incorporated fatty acids very scarcely and mainly into positions (1 + 3). 3. Kinetics of incorporation of labelled fatty acids into the sn-positions points to a non-random distribution with respect to the major saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in triacylglycerols of larvae of Ceratitis capitata.     

An in Vivo Study of Substrate Specificities of Acyl-Lipid Desaturases and Acyltransferases in Lipid Synthesis in Synechocystis PCC6803

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 was fed heptanoic acid to study the substrate specificities of desaturases and acyltransferases in lipid synthesis. This aliphatic acid was elongated to C15, C17, and C19 fatty acids, which were incorporated into polar glycerolipids and desaturated. The double bonds were located at the [delta]6, [delta]9, [delta]12, and [omega]3 positions of the fatty acids. This suggests that the [delta]9 desaturase counts the carbon number from the carboxy terminus, whereas the so-called [delta]15 desaturase counts from the methyl terminus. The counting mechanisms of the [delta]6 and [delta]12 desaturases are not fully understood. In the distribution of fatty acids at the sn positions of the glycerol moiety, the C17, C18, and C19 fatty acids were located at the sn-1 position, whereas the C15 and C16 fatty acids were located at the sn-2 position. This suggests that glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase specifically transfers heptadecanoic, octadecanoic, and nonadecanoic acids, whereas 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase specifically transfers pentadecanoic and hexadecanoic acids.     

Batch growth of Saccharomycopsis lipolytica on animal fats

Summary Solid animal fats aggregated when first added to aqueous media and strong agitation was necessary to accomplish and maintain their dispersion. The growth rate of Saccharomycopsis lipolytica accelerated as fat dispersion proceeded until similar rates of exponential growth were attained with either lard, mutton tallow or beef tallow as sole carbon source. The major fatty acids in all substances were oleic, palmitic, and stearic. A major proportion of both saturated acids were consumed during the yeast's growth on animal fats, but the growth rates were greatly reduced after exhaustion of the preferentially consumed unsaturated acid. At this time, substantial amounts of saturated acids, present both as free fatty acid and in glycerides, remained. The amounts of these residual acids were markedly affected by the distribution of acyl groups within the original triglycerides. With individual fatty acids as the sole carbon source, the yeast grew at comparable rates on palmitic and oleic acids but did not grow on stearic acid.     

膳食脂肪对肠道微生物的影响及宿主代谢调控的研究进展

膳食脂肪作为人体重要的营养物质之一,为人体提供能量及营养。不同种类的膳食脂肪对宿主肠道微生物的组成和数量的影响有着明显的差异。同时肠道微生物又能参与宿主的代谢调控以及影响肠道屏障功能等。过多的摄入富含饱和脂肪酸的膳食脂肪会引起肠道中厚壁菌门、变形菌门、梭菌属等的增加,从而影响宿主代谢过程中的胆汁酸等信号分子改变,导致肠道通透性的增加和系统炎症。富含n-3多不饱和脂肪酸的膳食脂肪会引起肠道中双歧杆菌和乳杆菌的增加,从而影响宿主代谢过程中的短链脂肪酸的水平,某些短链脂肪酸能够调控宿主的胰岛素分泌以及炎症因子的表达。本文综述了膳食脂肪的种类、肠道微生态和宿主代谢调控之间的相互作用及其可能的作用机制,为深入了解饮食、肠道微生态、宿主健康三者之间的关系提供了依据。     

白鱀豚额隆油、下颌油及皮脂油的脂肪酸组成

在齿鲸类的头部,有两个特殊的富含油脂的构造,即额隆和一对下颌脂肪体。在全身的皮下有很厚的皮脂层。Litchfield等(1974,1975)对齿鲸类中近20个属的额隆、下颌脂肪体和皮脂的脂质类型作比较研究,发现不同类群的油脂组分有差别,任何类群的额隆和下颌脂肪体的油脂--头脂的组分,与皮脂油的组分有明显区别,而额隆和下颌脂肪体的油脂组分是相近的。     

Trans fatty acid isomers in human health and in the food industry

Trans fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids with at least one double bond in the trans configuration. These fatty acids occur naturally in dairy and other natural fats and in some plants. However, industrial hydrogenation of vegetable or marine oils is largely the main source of trans fatty acids in our diet. The metabolic effect of trans isomers are today a matter of controversy generating diverse extreme positions in light of biochemical, nutritional, and epidemiological studies. Trans fatty acids also have been implicated in the etiology of various metabolic and functional disorders, but the main concern about its health effects arose because the structural similarity of these isomers to saturated fatty acids, the lack of specific metabolic functions, and its competition with essential fatty acids. The ingestion of trans fatty acids increases low density lipoprotein (LDL) to a degree similar to that of saturated fats, but it also reduces high density lipoproteins (HDL), therefore trans isomers are considered more atherogenic than saturated fatty acids. Trans isomers increase lipoprotein(a), a non-dietary-related risk of atherogenesis, to levels higher than the corresponding chain-length saturated fatty acid. There is little evidence that trans fatty acids are related to cancer risk at any of the major cancer sites. Considerable improvement has been obtained with respect to the metabolic effect of trans fatty acids due the development of analytical procedures to evaluate the different isomers in both biological and food samples. The oleochemical food industries have developed several strategies to reduce the trans content of hydrogenated oils, and now margarine and other hydrogenated-derived products containing low trans or virtually zero trans are available and can be obtained in the retail market. The present review provides an outline of the present status of trans fatty acids including origin, analytical procedures, estimated ingestion, metabolic effects, efforts to reduce trans isomers in our diet, and considerations for future prospects on trans isomers.     

Effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid on the activity and gene expression of hepatic fatty acid oxidation enzymes

The activities of hepatic fatty acid oxidation enzymes in rats fed linseed and perilla oils rich in alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-18:3) were compared with those in the animals fed safflower oil rich in linoleic acid (18:2) and saturated fats (coconut or palm oil). Mitochondrial and peroxisomal palmitoyl-CoA (16:0-CoA) oxidation rates in the liver homogenates were significantly higher in rats fed linseed and perilla oils than in those fed saturated fats and safflower oil. The fatty oxidation rates increased as dietary levels of alpha-18:3 increased. Dietary alpha-18:3 also increased the activity of fatty acid oxidation enzymes except for 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase. Unexpectedly, dietary alpha-18:3 caused great reduction in the activity of 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase measured with short- and medium-chain substrates but not with long-chain substrate. Dietary alpha-18:3 significantly increased the mRNA levels of hepatic fatty acid oxidation enzymes including carnitine palmitoyltransferase I and II, mitochondrial trifunctional protein, acyl-CoA oxidase, peroxisomal bifunctional protein, mitochondrial and peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolases, 2, 4-dienoyl-CoA reductase and delta3, delta2-enoyl-CoA isomerase. Fish oil rich in very long-chain n-3 fatty acids caused similar changes in hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Regarding the substrate specificity of beta-oxidation pathway, mitochondrial and peroxisomal beta-oxidation rate of alpha-18:3-CoA, relative to 16:0- and 18:2-CoAs, was higher irrespective of the substrate/albumin ratios in the assay mixture or dietary fat sources. The substrate specificity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I appeared to be responsible for the differential mitochondrial oxidation rates of these acyl-CoA substrates. Dietary fats rich in alpha-18:3-CoA relative to safflower oil did not affect the hepatic activity of fatty acid synthase and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase. It was suggested that both substrate specificities and alterations in the activities of the enzymes in beta-oxidation pathway play a significant role in the regulation of the serum lipid concentrations in rats fed alpha-18:3.