An initial evaluation of newly proposed biomarker of zinc status in humans - linoleic acid: dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (LA:DGLA) ratio

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• 作者：Marija Knez^a ; ^b ; ^{marijaknez186@gmail.com" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author} ; ^{knez0004@flinders.edu.au" class="auth_mail" title="E-mail the corresponding author} ; James C.R. Stangoulis^a ; Manja Zec^b ; Jasmina Debeljak-Martacic^b ; Zoran Pavlovic^c ; Mirjana Gurinovic^b ; Maria Glibetic^b
• 关键词：Zinc ; Fatty acid composition ; LA ; DGLA ; Healthy population ; Dietary Zn intake ; Plasma Zn status ; Zn biomarker
• 刊名：Clinical Nutrition ESPEN
• 出版年：2016
• 出版时间：October 2016
• 年：2016
• 卷：15
• 期：Complete
• 页码：85-92
• 全文大小：302 K

文摘

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for humans with important physiological functions. A sensitive and specific biomarker for assessing Zn status is still needed.

Objective

The major aim of this study was to examine if the changes in the content of plasma phospholipid LA, DGLA and LA: DGLA ratio can be used to efficiently predict the dietary Zn intake and plasma Zn status of humans.

Methods

The study was performed on healthy human volunteers, 25–55 years of age. The dietary Zn intake was assessed using 24 h recall questionnaires. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid analysis was done by gas chromatography, and plasma analysis of minerals by atomic absorption spectrometry. Biochemical, anthropometrical and hematological parameters were assessed.

Results

No significant relationship was found between the dietary and plasma zinc status (r = 0.07; p = 0.6). There was a statistically significant correlation between DGLA and plasma Zn (r = 0.39, p = 0.00). No relationship was observed between the linoleic acid and plasma Zn, while there was a significant negative correlation between LA: DGLA ratio and plasma Zn status (r = −0.35, p = 0.01). Similarly, there were statistically significant difference in DGLA status (p = 0.004) and LA: DGLA ratio (p = 0.042) between the Zn formed groups.

Conclusions

This study is an initial step in evaluating LA: DGLA ratio as a biomarker of Zn status in humans. The results are encouraging as they show that concentration of DGLA is decreased and LA: DGLA ratio increased in people with lower dietary Zn intake. However, additional studies are needed to fully examine the sensitivity of this biomarker.