Biologically active oxidized lipids (phytoprostanes) in the plant diet and parenteral lipid nutrition

Abstract

Phytoprostanes (PP) are autoxidation products of α-linolenate that are present in all plant tissues. Several classes of PP with a prostaglandin (PG) F₁-, E₁-, A₁- and B₁-like structure were identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in vegetable oils and parenteral nutrition (intralipid). High levels of PP (0.09 up to 99 mg/l) were found even in apparently fresh vegetable oils. After oral consumption of olive or soybean oil, PPF₁ were absorbed, found to circulate in plasma in conjugated form and excreted in free form into urine. Evidence is emerging that certain PP, such as the PPE₁, may modulate the function of immune cells in a PG-like fashion. Here, we show that PPA₁- and deoxy-PPJ₁ display potent anti-inflammatory and apoptosis inducing activities similar to PGA₁ and deoxy-PGJ₂. Results of this study indicate that PP are novel, biologically active lipids in plant nutrition.

• Isoprostanes
• phytoprostanes
• lipid peroxidation
• intralipid
• soybean oil
• olive oil

Notes

^† These authors contributed equally to this work. Present address V. D.: Department of Pharmacognosy, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.