Differences in serum phospholipid fatty acid compositions and estimated desaturase activities between Japanese men with and without metabolic syndrome.

AIM This study was designed to clarify differences in serum phospholipid fatty acid compositions and estimated desaturase activities between Japanese men with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS From among 227 males, 40 to 59 years of age, excluding those receiving treatment for lipid disorders, 165 subjects (including 27 with MetS) were selected for this study. Serum phospholipid fatty acid compositions were determined, and desaturase activities were estimated. RESULTS The C15:0 and C17:0 fatty acids associated with hepatic function were lower, while the C20:3n-6 and C20:4n-3 fatty acids were higher, in subjects with than without MetS (p<0.05). The estimated desaturase activity for D5D(n-6) was lower in subjects with than without MetS (p<0.01). Body fat percentage was an independent negative predictor of C17:0, and a positive predictor of log C20:3n-6 and log C20:4n-3 (p<0.01). HDL-C was an independent negative predictor of log C15:0 and of C17:0 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Decreases in minor saturated fatty acids, accumulation of C20:3n-6 and C20:4n-3 and low estimated D5D activity were confirmed to be associated with MetS.