Effects of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on the hepatic microsomal desaturation activities in vitro

The influence of individual conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers on the Δ6 desaturation of linoleic and α-linolenic acids and on the Δ9 desaturation of stearic acid was investigated in vitro, using rat liver microsomes. The Δ6 desaturation of 18∶2n−6 was decreased from 23 to 38% when the ratio of 9cis,11trans-18∶2 to 18∶2n−6 increased from 0.5 to 2. The compound 10trans,12cis-18∶2 exhibited a similar effect only at the highest concentration. The Δ6 desaturation of α-linolenic acid was slightly affected by the presence of CLA isomers. The sole isomer to induce an inhibitory effect on the Δ9 desaturation of stearic acid was 10trans,12cis-18∶2.