title: The health promoting properties of the conjugated isomers of α-linolenic acid.
abstract: The bioactive properties of the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have long been recognised and are the subject of a number of excellent reviews. However, despite this prominence the CLA isomers are not the only group of naturally occurring dietary conjugated fatty acids which have shown potent bioactivity. In a large number of in vitro and in vivo studies, conjugated α-linolenic acid (CLNA) isomers have displayed potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-obese and anti-carcinogenic activity, along with the ability to improve biomarkers of cardio-vascular health. CLNA isomers are naturally present in high concentrations in a large variety of seed oils but can also be produced in vitro by strains of lactobacilli and bifidobactena through the activity of the enzyme linoleic acid isomerase on α-linolenic acid. In this review, we will address the possible therapeutic roles that CLNA may play in a number of conditions afflicting Western society and the mechanisms through which this activity is mediated.
authors.affiliation: TEAGASC, Moorepark Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Alan A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Hennessy
authors.forename: R Paul
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Rosaleen
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Devery
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stanton
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007536:Isomerism; D044243:Linoleic Acids, Conjugated / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D044243:Linoleic Acids, Conjugated; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid