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Inflammation and conjugated linoleic acid: mechanisms of action and implications for human health

Inflamación y ácido linoleico conjugado: mecanismos de acción e implicaciones para la salud(minirrevisión)

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Abstract

Data from a number of studies and trials have shown that different conjugated linoleic acids (CLA’s) may produce beneficial effects on cancer, atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes and changes in body composition. Despite the increasing knowledge about CLA’s implications on health, the mechanism of action of these fatty acids is not completely understood. Moreover, human studies indicate that some of these beneficial effects are considerably less evident than anticipated from mice studies, while the efficacy and safety of diretary supplements containing CLA have been questioned in some intervention trials. Recently, it has been suggested that the anti-carcinogenic and anti-atherosclerosis effects of CLA’s stem from its anti-inflammatory properties. Because inflammatory responses are associated with the pathophysiology of many diseases, including obesity and the metabolic syndrome, the investigation in this area is of growing interest in recent years.

Resumen

Los resultados de numerosos estudios e investigaciones han demostrado que el ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) puede producir efectos beneficiosos sobre el cáncer, aterosclerosis, hipertensión, diabetes y cambios en la composición corporal. A pesar del conocimiento cada vez mayor acerca de las implicationes del CLA sobre la salud, los mecanismos de acción no están completamente establecidos. Además, los estudios en humanos indican que algunos de estos efectos beneficiosos son mucho menos evidentes que los anticipados por estudios en ratones. Por otra parte, la eficacia y la seguridad de los suplementos dietéticos que contienen CLA han sido cuestionadas en algunos ensayos experimentales. Recientemente, se ha sugerido que los efectos anti-carcinogénicos y anti-ateroscleróticos del CLA tienen su origen en sus propiedades anti-inflamatorias. Debido a que las respuestas inflamatorias están asociadas con la fisiopatología de muchos trastornos, incluyendo obesidad y síndrome metabólico, la investigación en este área está creciendo en los últimos años.

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  1. Departamento de Fisiología y Nutrición, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Navarra, C/Irunlarrea 1, 31008, Pamplona, Spain

    M. A. Zulet, A. Marti, M. D. Parra & J. A. Martínez

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Zulet, M.A., Marti, A., Parra, M.D. et al. Inflammation and conjugated linoleic acid: mechanisms of action and implications for human health. J. Physiol. Biochem. 61, 483–494 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03168454

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