title: Dietary conjugated α-linolenic acid did not improve glucose tolerance in a neonatal pig model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is an increased interest in the benefits of conjugated α-linolenic acid (CLNA) on obesity-related complications such as insulin resistance and diabetes. The aim of the study was to investigate whether a 1% dietary supplementation of mono-CLNA isomers (c9-t11-c15-18:3 + c9-t13-c15-18:3) improved glucose and lipid metabolism in neonatal pigs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Since mono-CLNA isomers combine one conjugated two-double-bond system with an n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) structure, the experimental protocol was designed to isolate the dietary structural characteristics of the molecules by comparing a CLNA diet with three other dietary fats: (1) conjugated linoleic acid (c9-t11-18:2 + t10-c12-18:2; CLA), (2) non-conjugated n-3 PUFA, and (3) n-6 PUFA. Thirty-two piglets weaned at 3 weeks of age were distributed among the four dietary groups. Diets were isoenergetic and food intake was controlled by a gastric tube. After 2 weeks of supplementation, gastro-enteral (OGTT) and parenteral (IVGTT) glucose tolerance tests were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dietary supplementation with mono-CLNA did not modify body weight/fat or blood lipid profiles (p > 0.82 and p > 0.57, respectively) compared with other dietary groups. Plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide responses to OGTT and IVGTT in the CLNA group were not different from the three other dietary groups (p > 0.18 and p > 0.15, respectively). Compared to the non-conjugated n-3 PUFA diet, CLNA-fed animals had decreased liver composition in three n-3 fatty acids (18:3n-3; 20:3n-3; 22:5n-3; p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that providing 1% mono-CLNA is not effective in improving insulin sensitivity in neonatal pigs.
authors.affiliation: Research Center on Aging, Health and Social Sciences Center, Geriatrics Institute, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada, Alexandre.Castellano@USherbrooke.ca.
authors.forename: Christian-Alexandre
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Castellano
authors.forename: Jean-Patrice
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Baillargeon
authors.forename: Mélanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Plourde
authors.forename: Sandie I
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Briand
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Angers
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giguère
authors.forename: J Jacques
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Matte
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002170:Canada; D003433:Crosses, Genetic; D019587:Dietary Supplements / Q000032:analysis; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004655:Emulsions; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy / Q000662:veterinary; D011897:Random Allocation; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D034421:Sus scrofa; D014886:Weaning; D015430:Weight Gain; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D004655:Emulsions; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid