Plasma and erythrocyte membrane fatty acids in oral contraceptive users.
The fatty acid composition of the plasma choline phosphoglycerides (CPG) and erythrocyte phospholipids were determined in women using oral contraceptive agents and age-matched female controls. Those using oestrogen and progestogen combined preparations had higher concentrations of palmitic acid (16:0) and linoleic acid (18:2 omega 6) and lower concentrations of stearic acid (18:0) and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP), in particular arachidonic acid (20:4 omega 6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 omega 3), in their plasma CPG than controls. These differences were reflected in the erythrocyte phospholipids. The progestogen-only group had similar concentrations to matched controls. It is suggested that the lower concentrations of LCP in combined pill users may affect membrane function and prostaglandin synthesis and may relate to their increased risk of thrombosis.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009640:Norethindrone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000077563:Norethindrone Acetate; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000097:blood; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood; D010949:Plasma / Q000378:metabolism*
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004967:Estrogens; D005227:Fatty Acids; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D010743:Phospholipids; D000077563:Norethindrone Acetate; D009640:Norethindrone