Abstract
Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between state and trait anxiety and adipose tissue essential fatty acid precursors for prostaglandins E1 and E2.
Methods: The sample consisted of 144 male and female Cretan adults, 23 to 69 years of age. Anthropometric and arterial blood pressure measurements were taken, and adipose tissue samples as well as data concerning general health habits were collected. Dietary data were collected using the weekly food frequency questionnaire and the 24-hour dietary recall method, while state and trait anxiety was assessed through the use of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Zung anxiety scale.
Results: State anxiety (STAI) related positively with sex (p < 0.0003) and negatively with adipose fat myristic acid (C14:0) (p < 0.004). Similarly, Zung trait anxiety related positively with sex (p < 0.0001) and negatively with adipose tissue myristic acid (C14:0) (p < 0.04). Spielberger trait anxiety related positively with adipose (LA + ALA)/(AA + EPA) ratio (p < 0.0002) and negatively with (C14:0) (p < 0.02) and dietary monounsaturated fat (p < 0.03).
Conclusion: It appears that the positive relation between trait anxiety and adipose (LA + ALA)/(AA + EPA) ratio may stem from the inhibiting role of catecholamines on Δ6 and Δ5 desaturases.
- C18:2n6 = LA = linoleic acid
- EFA = essential fatty acid
- PUFA = polyunsaturated fatty acids
- C20:4n6 = AA = arachidonic acid
- C14:0 = myristic acid
- C16:0 = palmitic fatty acid
- C20:3n6 = DGLA = dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid
- C18:3n6 = GLA = gamma-linolenic acid
- C18:3n3 = ALA = a-linolenic acid
- C20:5n3 = EPA = eicosapentaenoic acid
- C22:6n3 = EPA = docosahexaenoic acid
Supported by the union of lawyers of the county of Iraklion. Other members of the research who participated in the study include: Georgia Martimianaki and D. Kounali. We wish to thank Dr. D. Horrobin for his feedback and the articles sent. We would also like to extend our appreciation to Dr. Liakos.