Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most important diagnostic tools of modern healthcare. The signal in medical MRI predominantly originates from water and fat molecules. Separation of the two components into water-only and fat-only images can improve diagnosis, and is the premier non-invasive method for measuring the amount and distribution of fatty tissue. Fat-water imaging (FWI) enables fast fat/water separation by model-based estimation from chemical shift encoded data, such as multi-echo acquisitions. Qualitative FWI is sufficient for visual separation of the components, while quantitative FWI also offers reliable estimates of the fat percentage in each pixel. The major problems of current FWI methods are long acquisition times, long reconstruction times, and reconstruction errors that degrade image quality. In this thesis, existing FWI methods were reviewed, and novel fully automatic methods were developed and evaluated, with a focus on fast 3D image reconstruction. All MRI data was acquired on standard clinical scanners. A triple-echo qualitative FWI method was developed for the specific application of 3D whole-body imaging. The method was compared with two reference methods, and demonstrated superior image quality when evaluated in 39 volunteers. The problem of qualitative FWI by dual-echo data with unconstrained echo times was solved, allowing faster and more flexible image acquisition than conventional FWI. Feasibility of the method was demonstrated in three volunteers and the noise performance was evaluated. Further, a quantitative multi-echo FWI method was developed. The signal separation was based on discrete whole-image optimization. Fast 3D image reconstruction with few reconstruction errors was demonstrated by abdominal imaging of ten volunteers. Lastly, a method was proposed for quantitative mapping of average fatty acid chain length and degree of saturation. The method was validated by imaging different oils, using gas-liquid chromatography (GLC) as the reference. The degree of saturation agreed well with GLC, and feasibility of the method was demonstrated in the thigh of a volunteer. The developed methods have applications in clinical settings, and are already being used in several research projects, including studies of obesity, dietary intervention, and the metabolic syndrome.

This work was aimed at optimizing a formulation of silver catfish fishburgers (Rhamdia quelen) using filleting wastes and extract from fruit seeds. The utilization of filleting wastes from silver catfish in the formulation of fishburgers was evaluated by replacing grounded fish fillets with increasing levels (0-control, 20, 50, and 80%) of pulp obtained from filleting wastes (PFW). Fat content of burgers increased with increasing levels of PFW (p<0.05). Burgers with 50-80% PFW had lower n-6/n-3 ratio than control (p<0.05). Fat and moisture retention after cooking were not affected by PFW, while cooking yield increased in burgers with 50% PFW when compared to all other formulations (p<0.05). Texture and juiciness were not affected by PFW. However, burgers containing 80% PFW had lower overall acceptance than controls (p<0.05). Mango (Mangifera indica L.), peach (Prunus persica), and passion fruit (Passiflora sp.) seeds were examined for their total phenolic content, radical scavenging capacity against DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radicals, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and antioxidant activity against lipid oxidation in a fish model system (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.3 mg phenolic compounds/4.4ml of silver catfish homogenate). Mango seed extract (MSE) showed the highest phenolic content and total antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP assays. Lipid oxidation in fish model system (at 37oC during 90 min) was retarded by the three seed extracts at all concentrations tested. MSE that had the highest antioxidant activity in vitro, was also evaluated against lipid oxidation in fishburgers produced from silver catfish filleting wastes. Burger formulations with 50% pulp from filleting wastes were prepared containing MSE (0, 30, and 90 ppm phenolic compounds) and conjugated dienes, peroxide value, tiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and free fatty acids were the oxidation products measured during frozen storage at -10 and -20oC. All lipid damage measurements were affected by the storage time and temperature. However, after 120 days at both temperatures, TBARS levels of fishburgers did not reach threshold limit for human consumption. MSE had no antioxidant effect against lipid oxidation in silver catfish burgers. Filleting wastes could substitute up to 50% of fish fillets with no changes in sensory acceptance, an improvement of nutritional value, and cooking characteristics, with good lipid stability during at least 120 days of freezing storage. / Este trabalho avaliou o aproveitamento de resíduos resultantes da filetagem e de extratos vegetais de sementes de frutas na otimização de formulações de fishburgers de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen). Os resíduos da filetagem do jundiá foram processados e obteve-se uma polpa de resíduos da filetagem (PRF) utilizada em diferentes níveis (0-controle, 20, 50, e 80%) para substituir os filés de peixe na formulação de fishburger. O teor de gordura aumentou com a utilização de PSF nas formulações (p<0,05). Os fishburgers produzidos com 50-80% PRF apresentaram menores valores para as razões de ácidos graxos n-6/n-3 do que os valores obtidos para o controle (p<0,05). A capacidades de retenção de umidade e de retenção de gordura pós-cocção não foram afetadas pela utilização de PRF, no entanto as formulações com 50% de PRF tiveram os maiores rendimentos pós-cocção (p<0,05). A análise sensorial revelou que a textura e suculência das formulações não foram alteradas pela utilização de PRF, porém a incorporação de 80% de PRF reduziu a aceitação do produto em relação ao controle (p<0,05). Foram determinados, para extratos de sementes de manga (Mangifera indica L.), pêssego (Prunus persica), e maracujá (Passiflora sp.), o conteúdo fenólico, a atividade antioxidante pelos métodos do DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil), FRAP (poder antioxidante de redução do ferro) e a capacidade de impedir a oxidação lipídica em um sistema modelo contendo peixe (0,05, 0,1, 0,15 e 0,3 mg de compostos fenólicos/4,4ml de homogeneizado de carne de jundiá). As sementes de manga apresentaram o maior teor de compostos fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante em DPPH e pelo método de FRAP. A oxidação lipídica no homogeneizado de carne de peixe submetido ao aquecimento (37ºC) por 90 minutos foi impedida pelo extrato das três sementes de frutas em todas as concentrações testadas. O extrato de semente de manga, que apresentou a maior atividade antioxidante in vitro, foi escolhido para a avaliação de sua capacidade em impedir a oxidação da uma formulação de fishburger produzida com resíduos da filetagem. Foram preparadas formulações de fishburger contendo 50% de resíduos de filetagem e diferentes níveis de extrato de semente de manga (0, 30 e 90 ppm de compostos fenólicos) que foram armazenadas a -10 ou -20 oC. A oxidação lipídica durante o congelamento foi acompanhada determinando-se os teores de dienos conjugados, valor de peróxidos, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico e ácidos graxos livres. Todas as medidas de oxidação lipídica foram afetadas pela temperatura e tempo de estocagem. No entanto, ao final de 120 dias, os níveis de TBARS não alcançaram o valor limite para consumo humano. O extrato de semente de manga não apresentou efeito antioxidante contra a peroxidação lipídica nas formulações de fishburgers de jundiá. A substituição de filé de jundiá por polpa de resíduos da filetagem pode ser realizada até o nível de 50% na formulação de fishburger de jundiá significativas na qualidade sensorial, resultando em produtos com melhor valor nutricional e características pós-cocção, estáveis durante pelo menos 120 dias de congelamento.

A ingestão de ácidos graxos trans tem sido consistentemente mostrada ter efeitos adversos nos lipídeos sanguíneos, principalmente na razão LDL:HDL colesterol, que é um forte marcador de risco cardiovascular. De acordo com a Resolução RDC (Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada) de número 360 da ANVISA, de 23 de dezembro de 2003 da ANVISA, (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), após 1 de agosto de 2006 as indústrias de alimentos devem declarar o conteúdo de ácidos graxos trans por porção do produto. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a composição de ácidos graxos trans em margarinas e cremes vegetais após a nova legislação. As margarinas e cremes vegetais foram adquiridos na cidade de São Paulo, perfazendo um total de 40 amostras, 17 margarinas cremosas, 8 margarinas light, 1 margarina culinária cremosa, 2 margarinas culinária duras, 1 margarina culinária líquida, 2 alimentos a base de margarina, 8 cremes vegetais e 1 creme vegetal light foram analisados. Os lipídeos foram extraídos por hidrólise ácida, derivatizados com BF3 e em seguida analisados em cromatógrafo gasoso, equipado com coluna capilar SP- 2560 de 100 m a 180C. Os teores de trans totais das margarinas interesterificadas sofreram aumento significativo no período compreendido entre os anos 2000 a 2006, variando de 0 2,17% e 0,71 2,32% respectivamente. Nas margarinas hidrogenadas também foi observado aumento de 11,56 20,55% para 12,63 26,00% em 2006. As margarinas culinárias duras foram o tipo de margarina que apresentou concentrações elevadas de trans, variando de 19,38 a 30,35%. A margarina culinária cremosa e a margarina culinária líquida continham baixos teores de trans, 1,62 e 3,32% respectivamente. Os cremes vegetais interesterificados não sofreram mudança significativa, passando de 0 1,70% para 0 1,66%. No creme vegetal hidrogenado ocorreu redução acentuada dos teores médios de trans totais de 20,55 para 12,63%. A mudança na legislação não foi suficiente para reduzir totalmente os teores de ácidos graxos trans nas margarinas e cremes vegetais. Apesar disto, foi observado um aumento da disponibilidade de margarinas e cremes vegetais zero trans, que são aqueles que contém teores &#8804; 0,2 g/porção de 10 g. / Intake of trans fatty acids (TFA) has been consistently shown to have adverse effects on blood lipids, most notably on the LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio, which is a strong marker of cardiovascular risk. According to RDC (Resolução de Diretoria Colegiada) resolution number 360 of the ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária National Agency for Sanitary Vigilance), after August 1, 2006, food industries must declare the trans fatty acid (TFA) content per product serving. The objective of this work was to analyzer the composition of trans fatty acid in margarines and fat spreads after the new legislation. The margarines and fat spread were obtained in the city of São Paulo, making a total of 40 samples, seventeen tub margarines, eight light tub margarines, one culinary tub margarine, two culinary hard margarines, one culinary liquid margarine, two margarine-based foods, eight fat spreads and one light fat spread were analyzed. The lipids were extracted by acid hydrolysis, derivatizados with BF3 and then analyzed by gas chromatograph, equipped with capillary column SP-2560 of 100 m a 180 C. The total TFA content in interesterified margarines significantly increased between 2000 and 2006, rising from 02.17% to 0.712.32%. For hydrogenated margarines, an increase was also observed, from 11.5620.55% to 12.6326.00% by 2006. The culinary hard margarines were the type of margarine that had high concentrations of trans, ranging from 19.38 to 30.35%. Culinary tub margarine and culinary liquid margarine contained low levels of trans, 1.62 and 3.32% respectively. Interesterified fat spreads did not significantly change, from 0 1.70% to 01.66%. In hydrogenated fat spreads, a sharp reduction was seen, with average levels of total trans fats falling from 20.55% to 12.63%. Changes in the legislative regulation were not sufficient to significantly reduce the levels of TFA in margarines and fat spreads. Nevertheless, an increased availability of zero trans fat margarines and fat spreads on the market was observed (levels &#8804; 0.2 g per 10 g serving).

<p>Cilj istraživanja u ovom radu bilo je ispitivanje uticaja<br />različitih vidova ekstrakcije (konvencionalna ekstrakcija<br />organskim rastvaračem i superkritična ekstrakcija ugljendioksidom)<br />na kvalitet oleorizina začinske paprike u pogledu<br />kvalitativnog i kvantitativnog sadržaja bojenih materija,<br />sastava masnih kiselina i antioksidativnih svojstava. Po&scaron;to u<br />Vojvodini postoje značajni kapaciteti za proizvodnju i preradu<br />začinske paprike, smatramo da će rezultati ovih ispitivanja<br />dati uvid u kinetiku različitih tipova ekstrakcije i pružiti<br />informacije o uslovima potrebnim za dobijanje proizvoda<br />vrhunskog kvaliteta.</p> / <p>The aim of the work was to investigate the influence of<br />different extraction methods (conventional extraction using<br />organic solvent and supercritical carbon-dioxide extraction)<br />to qualitative and quantitative pigment content, fatty acid<br />content and antioxidant properties of oleoresins. As there<br />have been significant production and processing capacities of<br />spice pepper in Vojvodina, the results of these investigations<br />will give a closer insight into the kinetics of different types of<br />extraction and conditions for obtaining the high quality<br />product.</p>

L’imagerie et la spectroscopie par résonance magnétique nucléaire (IRM et SRM) sont des méthodes non-invasives qui ont le potentiel d’estimer in vivo la quantité et la qualité des adiposités abdominales. Le contexte scientifique et clinique de ce manuscrit s’articule autour de l’étude de surnutrition « Poly-Nut » dont l’un des objectifs est d’analyser les évolutions des tissus adipeux (TA) dans une phase rapide de prise de poids. L’originalité et la complexité de cette thèse résident dans le développement, l’adaptation et la comparaison de plusieurs méthodes quantitatives d’IRM et de SRM, pour l’étude du signal lipidique dans un contexte clinique à 3T. La fiabilité et la validation des mesures obtenues in vivo par ces techniques font ici l’objet d’une étude approfondie. Pour l’analyse quantitative du signal de spectroscopie, différentes méthodes existantes ont été comparées à celle développée spécifiquement pour notre étude clinique. L’estimation paramétrique par moindres carrés non linéaires appliquée aux spectres RMN des lipides peut conduire, selon la fonction modèle utilisée, à un problème non linéaire mal posé. Nous montrons alors que l’utilisation d’un modèle simplifié se fondant sur la structure d’une chaine de triglycéride, comme utilisé récemment en imagerie quantitative, constitue une solution valide au regard de l’état de l’art. Ensuite différentes méthodes (IRM, SRM, Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry, chromatographie en phase gazeuse) ont été utilisées pour caractériser les TA sous-cutanés et viscéraux. Le suivi par IRM du contenu lipidique du foie ainsi que du volume et de la composition en acide gras des TA à partir d’une unique acquisition en multi-écho de gradient est démontré. Enfin des développements expérimentaux menés parallèlement à l’étude clinique sur un imageur préclinique à 4,7T, comparent différentes stratégies d’encodage du déplacement chimique par imagerie et caractérisent des méthodes SRM pour estimer in vivo la proportion d’omégas-3 dans les chaînes d’acides gras. / Magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRI and MRS) are non-invasive methods that have the potential to estimate in vivo the quantity and the quality of abdominal adipose tissues (AT). The scientific and clinical context of this thesis is based on an overfeeding study entitled "Poly-Nut". One of the main objectives of this study is to analyze changes in adipose tissues in a rapid phase of weight gain. The originality and complexity of this thesis rely in the development, adaptation and comparison of several quantitative methods of MRI and MRS, for the study of lipid signal, in a clinical context, at 3T. The reliability and the validation of the measurements obtained in vivo using these techniques are the main subject of this PhD thesis. For the quantitative analysis of the spectroscopy signal, different existing methods have been compared to those developed specifically for our clinical study. According to the model function used, the nonlinear-least-squares parametric estimation applied to the lipid spectra can lead to an ill-posed nonlinear problem. We demonstrated that the use of a simplified model based on the structure of a triglyceride chain, as recently used in quantitative imaging, was a valid solution regarding the state of the art. Then different methods (MRI, MRS, Dual Energy X-ray absorptiometry, gas chromatography) were used to characterize the subcutaneous and visceral AT. We demonstrated the feasibility of MRI to follow the lipid content in the liver as well as the volume and the fatty acid composition of AT using a single multiple gradient-echo acquisition. Finally, experimental developments were carried out in parallel with the clinical study, on a 4.7T preclinical system, first, to compare different strategies for encoding the chemical shift using imaging and, secondly, to characterize MRS methods for in vivo estimation of the relative proportion of omega-3 among all fatty acids.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) regulates nutrient uptake, secretes hormones and has a crucial gut flora and enteric nervous system. Of relevance for these functions are the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and the solute carriers (SLCs). The Adhesion GPCR subfamily is known to mediate neural development and immune system functioning, whereas SLCs transport e.g. amino acids, fatty acids (FAs) and drugs over membranes. We aimed to comprehensively characterize Adhesion GPCR and SLC gene expression along the rat GIT. Using qPCR we measured expression of 78 SLCs as well as all 30 Adhesion GPCRs in a twelve-segment GIT model. 21 of the Adhesion GPCRs had a widespread (≥5 segments) or ubiquitous (≥11 segments) expression. Restricted expression patterns were characteristic for most group VII members. Of the SLCs, we found the majority (56 %) of these transcripts to be expressed in all GIT segments. SLCs were predominantly found in the absorption-responsible gut regions. Both Adhesion GPCRs and SLCs were widely expressed in the rat GIT, suggesting important roles. The distribution of Adhesion GPCRs defines them as a potential pharmacological target. FAs constitute an important energy source and have been implicated in the worldwide obesity increase. FAs and their ratios – indices for activities of e.g. the desaturase enzymes SCD-1 (SCD-16, 16:1n-7/16:0), D6D (18:3n-6/18:2n-6) and D5D (20:4n-6/20:3n-6) – have been associated with e.g. overall mortality and BMI. We examined whether differences in FAs and their indices in five lipid fractions contributed to obesity susceptibility in rats fed a high fat diet (HFD), and the associations of desaturase indices between lipid fractions in animals on different diets. We found that on a HFD, obesity-prone (OP) rats had a higher SCD-16 index and a lower linoleic acid (LA) proportions in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) than obesity-resistant rats. Desaturase indices were significantly correlated between many of the lipid fractions. The higher SCD-16 may indicate higher SCD-1 activity in SAT in OP rats, and combined with lower LA proportions may provide novel insights into HFD-induced obesity. The associations between desaturase indices show that plasma measurements can serve as proxies for some lipid fractions, but the correlations seem to be affected by diet and weight gain.

Contexte L’américanisation des habitudes de vie, notamment de l’alimentation, semble être en grande partie responsable de l’augmentation incessante de l’incidence élevée des maladies cardiovasculaires. La période postprandiale, où l’homéostasie vasculaire et métabolique est mise à l’épreuve, est d’une importance considérable dans le développement ou la prévention de l’athérosclérose et représente maintenant la majeure partie du temps d’éveil. La compréhension de l’influence de la composition d’un repas sur son impact postprandial est donc essentielle dans notre lutte dans la prévention de ces maladies. Objectifs L’objectif principal de ce projet de recherche était d’étudier les réponses endothéliale et métabolique à un repas de type méditerranéen mixte (MMM), puisqu’elles sont inconnues. Ce projet avait aussi pour objectifs d’évaluer l’impact microvasculaire d’un tel repas et de caractériser la composition postprandiale des acides gras plasmatiques. À titre comparatif, ces éléments ont aussi été étudiés suite à un repas riche en gras saturés (HSFAM). Méthodes Vingt-huit (28) hommes sains, exempts de facteurs de risque de maladies cardiovasculaires ont reçu de façon randomisée les deux repas à l’étude. Le MMM, composé de saumon frais et de légumes cuits dans l'huile d'olive, contenait 7.87g de SFA et 2.29g d’acides gras polyinsaturés oméga-3, tandis que le HSFAM, composé d'un sandwich déjeuner avec œuf, saucisse et fromage, contenait 14.78g de SFA. Les mesures de la fonction endothéliale mesurée par échographie brachiale (FMD), de la fonction microvasculaire mesurée par spectroscopie proche de l’infrarouge (NIRS) et de la composition des acides gras plasmatique ont été effectuées à jeun et en période postprandiale. Résultats Deux sous-groupes de répondeurs aux repas à l’étude se sont dégagés de ces travaux. Un premier sous-groupe de sujets ayant une triglycéridémie à jeun élevée, mais normale (hnTG) a démontré des altérations endothéliales seulement suivant le repas HSFAM. Un second sous-groupe de sujets ayant une triglycéridémie plus faible et normale (lnTG) n’a quant à lui pas subi d’altérations endothéliales suivant les deux repas à l’étude. Les sujets hnTG ont aussi démontré une charge triglycéridémique postprandiale (iAUC) plus importante et qui était de surcroît enrichie en acide stéarique suivant la HSFAM et en acide gras polyinsaturés oméga-3 suivant le MMM. L’évaluation par NIRS de la fonction microvasculaire nous révèle un ralentissement de la réoxygénation post-ischémique qui suggère une altération postprandiale du recrutement capillaire chez les sujets hnTG seulement. De telles altérations, qui semblent être plus importantes suivant le HSFAM, pourraient être en partie responsables de l’impact endothélial de ce repas. Conclusions Cet essai clinique démontre donc de façon novatrice qu’un repas MMM n’a pas d’effet endothélial délétère et que cette neutralité est indépendante de la triglycéridémie à jeun. De plus, une triglycéridémie à jeun élevée mais normale semble indiquer des dysfonctions endothéliales et métaboliques à des épreuves nutritionnelles tel un repas HSFAM. La consommation de repas méditerranéens par des individus sains à la triglycéridémie marginale serait bénéfique, peut-être même davantage que pour des individus de triglycéridémie plus faible, dans la prévention de l’athérogénèse et des maladies cardiovasculaires. / Background The Westernization of lifestyles, notably dietary habits, seems to be largely responsible for the ongoing increase of incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The postprandial period, where vascular and metabolic homeostatic regulating processes are under pressure, is of considerable importance in the development or prevention of atherosclerosis and now represents the majority of waking hours. The understanding of the postprandial effects of meals of varying composition is therefore essential in our effort to prevent such diseases. Objectives The main objective of this research project was to study the endothelial and metabolic responses to a mixed Mediterranean meal (MMM), since they are unknown. This project also aimed to evaluate the microvascular impact of such a meal and to characterize the composition of postprandial plasma fatty acids. These elements were also evaluated following a saturated fatty meal (HSFAM) for comparison. Methods Twenty-eight (28) healthy men free of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors were randomly assigned one of two test meals. The MMM, consisting of fresh salmon and vegetables cooked in olive oil, contained 7.87g of SFA and 2.29g of omega- 3 fatty acids, while the HSFAM, consisting of a breakfast sandwich with egg, sausage and cheese contained 14.78g of SFA. Evaluations of endothelial function by brachial ultrasound (FMD), of microvascular function by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and of plasma fatty acids composition were done in the fasted and postprandial states. Results Two subgroups of responders to the test meals emerged from this work. A first subgroup of subjects with high-normal fasting triglyceridemia (hnTG) experienced impairments of endothelial function following the HSFAM while a second subgroup of subjects with low-normal triglyceridemia (lnTG) did not experience any endothelial alterations following this meal. Interestingly, the MMM had no deleterious endothelial impact in any of those subgroups. Moreover, the hnTG subjects demonstrated greater postprandial triglyceridemic load (iAUC) that was in addition enriched with stearic acid after HSFAM and omega-3 PUFA following the MMM. Assessment of microvascular function revealed postprandial prolongation of post-ischemic reoxygenation only in hnTG subjects suggestive of alterations of capillary recruitment. These changes, which seemed to be more important after the HSFAM, could be partly responsible for its negative impact on FMD. Conclusions This clinical trial demonstrates in innovative ways that a MMM has no deleterious effects on endothelial function irrespective of triglyceridemia in normal ranges. In addition, high but normal fasting triglyceride levels suggest metabolic and endothelial dysfunctions following nutritional challenges such as a HSFAM. Consumption of Mediterranean meals by healthy individuals with marginal triglyceride levels would be beneficial, perhaps even more so than for individuals with lower triglyceride levels, in preventing atherogenesis and cardiovascular diseases.

Dietary fat quality influences the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A low-grade inflammation is suggested to contribute to the disease development, often accompanied by obesity. Whereas n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been considered anti-inflammatory, n-6 PUFA have been proposed to act pro-inflammatory. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) act pro-inflammatory in vitro. This thesis aimed to investigate effects of different fatty acids on low-grade inflammation in observational and interventional studies. In Paper I and II, fatty acid composition in serum cholesterol esters was used as objective marker of dietary fat quality and related to serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and other circulating inflammatory markers in two population-based cohorts, conducted in middle-aged men and elderly men and women, respectively. In Paper III and IV, the impact of diets differing in fat quality on inflammation and oxidative stress was investigated in randomised controlled studies, in subjects with metabolic syndrome and abdominal obesity. In Paper I and II, a low proportion of linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) in serum was associated with higher CRP concentrations, indicating that a low intake of vegetable fats may be related to low-grade inflammation. High CRP concentrations were also associated with high proportions of palmitoleic (16:1) and oleic (18:1) acids and high stearoyl coenzymeA desaturase index, possibly reflecting altered fat metabolism and/or high SFA intake in this population. When comparing two high-fat diets rich in either saturated or monounsaturated fat, and two low-fat diets with or without long-chain n-3 PUFA supplementation during 12 weeks (Paper III), no differences in inflammation or oxidative stress markers were observed. Moreover, a 10-week intervention (Paper IV) with high linoleic acid intake showed no adverse effects on inflammation or oxidative stress. Instead, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 decreased after linoleic acid intake compared with a diet high in SFA. The results in this thesis indicate that dietary n-6 PUFA found in vegetable fats is associated with lower inflammation marker levels, and to some extent reduces systemic inflammation when compared with SFA. Supplementation of n-3 PUFA did not exert any systemic anti-inflammatory effects, maybe due to a relatively low dose.

No description available.