title: Influence of a high cholesterol regime on epicardial and subcutaneous adipose tissue fatty acids profile in rabbits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We have shown that the fatty acid profile of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in patients with obstructed coronary vessels is different from that of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). The diversity and amount of fatty acids in the adipose tissue can be affected by the component of the lipids in diet. As a result, this study investigated the influence of a high cholesterol regime on EAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue fatty acids profile in rabbits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group received a normal standard diet, whereas the test group was fed with the high cholesterol regime for 2 months. At the end of this period, the rabbits were anesthetized, 1-5 mg of EAT and SAT were removed, and their fatty acids content was determined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The high cholesterol regime caused a significant increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides levels and a marked decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration. After 2 months, in the EAT, fatty acids 16:0 and 18:1t and saturated fatty acid (SFA) showed a significant increase (P<0.05), whereas, fatty acids 12:0, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3, monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), ω3, and ω6 had a significant decrease (P<0.05). In SAT, fatty acids 18:3, 20:4, 22:6, MUFA, and ω3 decreased and PUFA, SFA, and ω6 significantly increased (P<0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Consumption of a high cholesterol regime for 2 months resulted in a significant increase in atherogenic fatty acids and a decrease in antiatherogenic ones in the EAT. EAT is very sensitive to lipid changes of the regime comparing to SAT.
authors: Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors: Masood
authors: M
authors: Pezeshkian
authors: Mohammad-Reza
authors: MR
authors: Rashidi
authors: Mohsen
authors: M
authors: Varmazyar
authors: Jalal
authors: J
authors: Hanaee
authors: Akbar
authors: A
authors: Darbin
authors: Mohammad
authors: M
authors: Nouri