The Complex and Important Cellular and Metabolic Functions of Saturated Fatty Acids

This review summarizes recent findings on the metabolism and biological functions of saturated fatty acids (SFA). Some of these findings show that SFA may have important and specific roles in the cells. Elucidated biochemical mechanisms like protein acylation (N-myristoylation, S-palmitoylation) and regulation of gene transcription are presented. In terms of physiology, SFA are involved for instance in lipogenesis, fat deposition, polyunsaturated fatty acids bioavailability and apoptosis. The variety of their functions demonstrates that SFA should no longer be considered as a single group

Folic acid and Vitamin E supplementation effects on homocysteinernia, endothelial function and plasma antioxidant capacity in young myocardial-infarction patients

We examined the effects of folate (either alone or co-supplemented with Vitamin E) on endothelial function in hyperhomocysteinimic patients and correlated results with serum antioxidant capacity. A randomized trial was carried out in 30 young patients with recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and high plasma homocysteine concentrations. Intervention consisted of high doses of folate, either alone (group A) or in combination with Vitamin E (group B), for three months. Main outcome measures were endothelial function, serum antioxidant capacity, and homocysteinemia. Folic acid treatment reduced plasma homocysteine concentrations in both groups by 41% and, as compared with baseline values, was associated with a significant (P < 0.001) improvement of endothelial function (from 0.322 (0.03) to 0.450 (0.02) mm in group A and from 0.338 (0.03) to 0.584 (0.04) turn in group 13). However, there was no difference in endothelial function improvement between folic acid and folic acid plus Vitamin E group. Plasma antioxidant capacity significantly (P < 0.001) increased in both groups. In conclusion, beneficial effects of folic acid on vasomotion appear to be independent of antioxidant action but, rather, seem to be strongly associated with reduction of homocysteinemia. Confirming previous reports, the effects of Vitamin E are still equivocal. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved