Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) were identified in 1980's, since then it has been intensively studied due to its various beneficial health effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic/obesity effects. Isomer specificity of a number of CLA isomers, especially predominant isomer 9Z,11E- and 10E,12Z-CLA, is now recognized. However, the less prevalent CLA isomers have not been well characterized. Recently, studies have reported the distinctively different effects of 9E,11E-CLA in colon cancer cells, endothelial cells, and macrophage cells compared to the rest of CLA isomers. In this review, various effects of CLAs, especially anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects, will be discussed with focusing on the isomer-specific effects and potential mechanism of action of CLA. At last, recent studies about 9E,11E-CLA in in vitro and animal models will be discussed.
Colonic Neoplasms ; Endothelial Cells ; Linoleic Acid ; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated ; Macrophages ; Models, Animal ; Sensitivity and Specificity*

In this study, we analyzed the kinetics of bioconversion of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) by permeabilized Lactobacillus acidophilus cells. The effects of cell mass, linoleic acid (LA) concentration, reaction pH and temperature on the bioconversion of CLA by permeabilized cells were investigated and the model system of bioconversion of CLA was established. The results showed that the production of CLA was increased by permeabilized cells. The optimal cell mass, pH and temperature of bioconversion of CLA were 10 x 10(10) ufc/mL, 4.5 and 45 degrees C, respectively. A marked LA inhibition phenomenon existed, and the early reaction rate of producing CLA reached the maximum (17.8 microg/mL x min) when LA concentration was 0.6 mg/mL. Michaelis constant was obtained by double-reciprocal plot and Hanes-Woolf plot. The reaction rate equation followed the classic Michaelis-Mentent equation at the low LA concentration, while there was a marked LA inhibition phenomenon at the high LA concentration. With the evaluated model parameters, the model system appeared to provide a description for the bioconversion of CLA by permeabilized Lactobacillus acidophilus cells.
Biotransformation ; Cell Membrane Permeability ; drug effects ; Kinetics ; Lactobacillus acidophilus ; metabolism ; Linoleic Acid ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated ; chemistry ; metabolism

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials with evening primrose oil in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment have shown different results. In addition, the optimal dose and duration of treatment with evening primrose oil have not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the dose-response treatment effects of evening primrose oil on clinical symptoms of AD and serum concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids. METHODS: Forty AD patients were enrolled for the study and randomly divided into 2 groups: those who received evening primrose oil 160 mg daily for 8 weeks and those who received 320 mg of evening primrose oil twice daily for 8 weeks. We evaluated the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores of all AD patients at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. In addition, we measured the levels of serum fatty acids, including C16 : 0 (palmitic), C18 : 2n (linoleic), C18 : 3n (linolenic) and C20 : 4 (arachidonic acid) using gas chromatography. RESULTS: The serum fatty acid levels C18 : 3n and C20 : 4 were higher in the 320 mg group than in the 160 mg group, with statistical significance. After evening primrose oil treatment, EASI scores were reduced in the 2 groups. The improvement in EASI scores was greater in the 320 mg group than in the 160 mg group. There were no side effects seen in either group during the study in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the 320 mg and 160 mg groups may be equally effective in treating AD patients and show dose-dependent effects on serum fatty acid levels and EASI scores.
Adolescent ; Child ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eczema ; Fatty Acids ; gamma-Linolenic Acid ; Humans ; Linoleic Acids ; Oenothera biennis ; Plant Oils

BACKGROUND: Previous clinical trials with evening primrose oil in atopic dermatitis (AD) treatment have shown different results. In addition, the optimal dose and duration of treatment with evening primrose oil have not yet been determined. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the dose-response treatment effects of evening primrose oil on clinical symptoms of AD and serum concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids. METHODS: Forty AD patients were enrolled for the study and randomly divided into 2 groups: those who received evening primrose oil 160 mg daily for 8 weeks and those who received 320 mg of evening primrose oil twice daily for 8 weeks. We evaluated the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores of all AD patients at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 8. In addition, we measured the levels of serum fatty acids, including C16 : 0 (palmitic), C18 : 2n (linoleic), C18 : 3n (linolenic) and C20 : 4 (arachidonic acid) using gas chromatography. RESULTS: The serum fatty acid levels C18 : 3n and C20 : 4 were higher in the 320 mg group than in the 160 mg group, with statistical significance. After evening primrose oil treatment, EASI scores were reduced in the 2 groups. The improvement in EASI scores was greater in the 320 mg group than in the 160 mg group. There were no side effects seen in either group during the study in the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the 320 mg and 160 mg groups may be equally effective in treating AD patients and show dose-dependent effects on serum fatty acid levels and EASI scores.
Adolescent ; Child ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eczema ; Fatty Acids ; gamma-Linolenic Acid ; Humans ; Linoleic Acids ; Oenothera biennis ; Plant Oils

BACKGROUND: Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is one of the most commonly prescribed cervical ripening agents. Cervical ripening is the softening, effacement, and dilation of the cervix that occur prior to active labor, and is an intervention that is used for certain indications, such as postdates pregnancy. There are gynecologic cases wherein the cervix is closed and dilatation has not occurred making the procedure difficult. In studies, EPO works by softening and ripening the cervix in the pregnant woman. More likely it has the same effects in a non-pregnant patient with regards to softening and dilating the cervix during gynecologic procedures.
METHODS: The study was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Patients scheduled for gynecologic procedures were randomly grouped under the control and study group. Both groups had an internal examination during admission. The study group, in addition, were given EPO 4 capsules intra-vaginally, 6 hours prior to the contemplated procedure. Cervical characteristics were assessed initially on admission and pre-proedure.
Consistency were assessed using the Consistency Index (CI) and graded as firm=1, medium=2 and soft=3. Dilatation were assessed using the Dilatation Index (DI) and graded as closed=1, admits tip =2 , >1cm= 3. Pre-procedure, cervical characteristics and the CDI of both groups were assessed. Hegars dilators were used to assess the degree of dilatation, noting the diameter of dilator that can be introduced freely, and to what diameter the cervix can be maximally dilated.
RESULTS: 80 patients were enrolled in the study; 39 patients were assigned in the control group and 38 patients were assigned in the study group (3 were excluded). In the study group, their DI improved by 36.2% (pre = 1.53+/-0.51 to post = 2.08+/-0.49) (p<0.001), CI increased by 115.9% (pre=1.16+/-0.37 to post = 2.50+/-0.65) (p<0.001), and their CDI changed by 70.6% (pre=2.68+/-0.74 to post = 4.58+/-0.95) (p<0.001). The changes of scores in all the cervical parameters in the study group were statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: EPO 4 capsules punctured and administered intra-vaginally 6 hours prior to contemplated gynecologic procedure can promote cervical ripening as exhibited by the improvement of the CDI from initial assessment to pre-procedure assessment.

Human ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Cervical Ripening ; Cervix Uteri ; Efamol ; Dilatation ; Capsules ; Gamma-linolenic Acid ; Linoleic Acids ; Plant Oils ; Administration, Intravaginal

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are a family of isomers of linoleic acid. CLA increases growth arrest and apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells through an isomer-specific manner. ATF3 belongs to the ATF/CREB family of transcription factors and is associated with apoptosis in colorectal cancer. The present study was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism by which t10, c12-CLA stimulates ATF3 expression and apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. t10, c12-CLA increased an apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells in dose dependent manner. t10, c12-CLA induced ATF3 mRNA and luciferase activity of ATF3 promoter in a dose-dependent manner. The responsible region for ATF3 transcriptional activation by t10, c12-CLA is located between -147 and -1850 of ATF3 promoter. mRNA stability of ATF3 was not affected by t10, c12-CLA treatment. t10, c12-CLA increases GSK3beta expression and suppresses IGF-1-stimulated phosphorylation of Akt. The knockdown of ATF3 suppressed expression of GSK3beta and NAG-1 and PARP cleavage. The results suggest that t10, c12-CLA induces apoptosis through ATF3-mediated pathway in human colorectal cancer cells.
Activating Transcription Factor 3 ; Apoptosis ; Colonic Neoplasms* ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Humans ; Linoleic Acid* ; Linoleic Acids, Conjugated ; Luciferases ; Phosphorylation ; RNA Stability ; RNA, Messenger ; Transcription Factors ; Transcriptional Activation

OBJECTIVETo study the effects of all factors during the process of urea encapsulation of gamma-linolenic acid on the purity and yield.

METHODTo observe the material proportions, time, temperature and purity using single-factor and two-factor tests.

RESULTSingle-factor test showed that the optimal ratio of all materials (oil, urea and 95% ethanol) was 1:3:8. A 30% purity after single encapsulation process was obtained, at the best temperature range was - 15 degrees C-20 degrees C, for 24 hours. Two-factor test showed that the optimal ratio of oil, urea and ethanol was 1:3:8, where the concentration of ethanol was 90%-95%. The purity reached 90% or higher, with three-time encapsulation process.

CONCLUSIONAn optimized process was identified where material ratios, encapsulation time, temperature, and ethanol concentrations were determined using single-factor and two-factor tests.

Ethanol ; Fatty Acids, Essential ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Linoleic Acids ; Oenothera ; chemistry ; Plant Oils ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Temperature ; Urea ; gamma-Linolenic Acid ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification

This study was carried out to determine the effect of dietary gamma-linolenic acid on decreasing the plasma lipid levels and the thrombotic activity in rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats (B.W 120 g) were fed a experimental diet containing 5% lard (46.05% saturated fatty acids) , corn oil (51.36% linoleic acid) , evening primrose oil (EPO,72.80% linoleic acid and 9.16% gamma-linolenic acid) or borage oil (BO,40.29% linoleic acid and 24.25% gamma-liolenic acid) for 30 days. Although there were no significant differences in the food intake among the groups, the body weight gain of the BO group was significantly lower than that of the other groups. The bleeding time of the BO group was significantly longer than that of the other groups. There were significantly differences in the whole blood clotting time among the groups except for the EPO and corn oil groups, where the whole blood clotting time of the BO group was the highest among the groups, and that of the lard group was the lowest. The plasma triacyglyceride (TAG) , total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations were the lowest in the BO group, but highest in the lard group, and there were significant differences among the groups. The plasma HDL-C concentrations were in the following order: BO, EPO, corn oil and lard groups and there were significant differences among the groups. The excretions of fecal neutial steroids and acidic steroids of the BO group were the highest among the groups, and there were significant differences compared to the other groups. The results suggest that dietary EPO and BO containing gamma-linolenic acid has an antithrombotic activity, and inhibits the increasing of plasma TAG, TC and LDL-C concentrations compared to lard, which contains saturated fatty acids, or corn oil, which contains linoleic acid.
Animals ; Bleeding Time ; Blood Coagulation ; Body Weight ; Borago ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Corn Oil ; Diet ; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated* ; Eating ; Fatty Acids ; gamma-Linolenic Acid* ; Humans ; Linoleic Acid ; Male ; Oenothera biennis ; Plasma* ; Primula ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Steroids

In this study, the effects of a mixture consisting of vitamin E, vitamin C, pycnogenol and evening primrose oil (mixture LGNC-5) on ultraviolet light (UV) induced pigmentation and wrinkle reductions of normal healthy volunteers were studied. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, each of 54 subjects took daily either 4 capsules of the mixture LGNC-5 (Group ABC; 282.5 mg/capsule) or placebo (Group Ganada). We irradiated 2.5 MED UV on the upper arms and measured the whitening effect by colorimeter-based L value. The level of wrinkle reduction was determined by image analysis using skin replica around the crow' feet, and the level of serum vitamin E was determined at baseline and 12 weeks. After 12-week oral administration, the treated group showed a significant reduction in skin pigmentation and wrinkles compared with the placebo group (p = 0.011 and p = 0.000005 , respectively). Also, the level of serum vitamin E was significantly increased in the treated group after 12-week oral adminstration of the mixture compared with that in the placebo group (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, 12-week oral administration of LGNC-5 as a dietary supplement could be effective to reduce both UV induced pigmentation and skin wrinkle without side effects.
Administration, Oral ; Arm ; Ascorbic Acid ; Capsules ; Dietary Supplements ; Flavonoids ; Foot ; gamma-Linolenic Acid ; Humans ; Linoleic Acids ; Oenothera biennis ; Pigmentation ; Plant Oils ; Skin ; Skin Pigmentation ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Vitamin E ; Vitamins

Menopause is a turning point in women that is based on the sex hormone change. Many women are very conscious about the postmenopausal period. After menopause, women complain about vasomotor symptoms, night sweat, psychological problems, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and urogenital symptoms. Nowadays, food and alternative treatment for postmenopausal symptoms are introduced. The average life span is now increasing, and postmenopausal care is important for public health. Long chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are known as essential fatty acids, however, all mammals, including humans, should obtain them from their diet. Omega-3 fatty acids have emerged as an adjuvant and alternative source for relieving postmenopusal complains or disease. Among alternative treatment or food behavior change for postmenopusal symptoms, we will review the current issues on the relationship between the role and the effect of omega-3 fatty acids in relieving postmenopausal symptoms.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diet ; Fatty Acids, Essential ; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ; Fatty Acids, Omega-6 ; Female ; Humans ; Mammals ; Menopause ; Osteoporosis ; Postmenopause ; Public Health ; Sweat