Horm Metab Res 2007; 39(3): 186-191
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-970416
Original Basic

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Conjugated Linoleic Acids Promote Human Fat Cell Apoptosis

P. Fischer-Posovszky 1 , V. Kukulus 1 , M. A. Zulet 2 , K. M. Debatin 1 , M. Wabitsch 1
  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
  • 2Department of Physiology and Nutrition, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
Further Information

Publication History

received 22. 6. 2006

accepted 6. 11. 2006

Publication Date:
20 March 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) are conjugated dienoic isomers of linoleic acid. Some isomers have been shown to reduce fat mass in animal and cell culture models. However, controversial results were obtained in studies of supplementation of CLAs in human subjects. In order to get more insights into the direct effects of CLAs on human fat cells, we have studied the influence of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and trans-10,cis-12 CLA on the biology of human SGBS preadipocytes and adipocytes. Both CLA isomers equally inhibited the proliferation of preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Continuous treatment with 1-10 μM trans-10,cis-12 CLA, and to a weaker extent cis-9,trans-11 CLA, inhibited accumulation of lipids during adipogenic differentiation. Treatment with higher doses of CLA induced apoptosis in preadipocytes, in differentiating cells, and adipocytes. The trans-10,cis-12 isomer had a higher apoptotic potency in adipocytes than cis-9,trans-11 CLA. Taken together, the treatment of human preadipocytes and adipocytes with physiological relevant concentrations of CLAs resulted in an impairment of proliferation and differentiation and induction of apoptosis. The trans-10,cis-12 isomer was more potent than the cis-9,trans-11 isomer. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effects of CLAs on human fat mass and metabolism in vivo.