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Liver desaturase activities and FA composition in monkeys. Effect of a low-protein diet

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Lipids

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to measure Δ9-, Δ6-, and Δ5-desaturase activities in liver microsomes, as well as phospholipid FA composition of liver and erythrocytes in monkeys fed a control or low-protein diet during the postweaning period. Ten Saimiri sciureus boliviensis (Cebidae) of both sexes were employed; at 12 mon of age they were separated into two groups fed ad libitum on a control or a low-protein diet for 24 mon. Saimiri sciureus had active Δ9, Δ6, and Δ5 liver desaturase enzymes, and these activities were influenced by the diet. A low-protein diet produced a significant reduction in Δ5-desaturation capacity, an increase in Δ9-desaturase activity, and no change in Δ6-desaturase activity (P<0.05). These changes, evoked by protein deprivation, were reflected in the liver phospholipid FA composition. Increases in the proportion of saturated FA and in monounsaturated oleic acid (18∶1n−9) and a decrease in the proportion of PUFA of the n−6 and n−3 series were produced in the animals fed a low-protein diet (P<0.0001). Differences between the two dietary groups were less pronounced in the FA composition of erythrocyte phospholipids.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), 60 y 120, (1900) La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    María C. Marín & María J. T. de Alaniz

  2. Centro de Investigaciones en Genética Básica y Aplicada (CIGEBA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, (1900) La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Héctor M. Pucciarelli

Authors
  1. María C. Marín
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  2. Héctor M. Pucciarelli
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  3. María J. T. de Alaniz
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Correspondence to María C. Marín.

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The authors are members of the Carrera del Investigador del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina.

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Marín, M.C., Pucciarelli, H.M. & de Alaniz, M.J.T. Liver desaturase activities and FA composition in monkeys. Effect of a low-protein diet. Lipids 38, 525–529 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-003-1094-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11745-003-1094-9

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