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Aim: To compare the composition of fatty acids (FAs) in diet, and the expression of delta-6 desaturase (D6D) and delta-5 desaturase (D5D) genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) between Chinese and Europeans., Methods: Three-day dietary records from 20 subjects from Beijing, China (n = 10) and Kent, UK (n = 10) were analysed. Expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes of the subjects was determined using RT-PCR., Results: The dietary intake of Chinese subjects contained less saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), but more essential fatty acids (EFAs) than that of Europeans. Levels of expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes of Chinese subjects were significantly lower than those of Europeans. A significant positive correlation was found between dietary intake of total SFAs and total MUFAs and expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes, but a significant negative correlation between dietary intake of linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) and the expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes., Conclusion: Intake of high SFAs and MUFAs appears to increase expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes, whilst high EFAs intake appears to decrease expression of PBMC D6D and D5D genes. A follow-up study of the expression of D6D and D5D genes in Chinese who live in European countries with high SFA and MUFA diets would be of interest., (Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Within Europe large differences exist in mortality from coronary heart disease and stroke. These diseases show a clear West-East gradient with high rates in Eastern Europe. In spite the decreasing trend in age-adjusted cardiovascular disease mortality in Western European countries an increase in the number of cardiovascular patients is expected because of the ageing of the population. Consequently the health care cost for these diseases will increase. Total and HDL cholesterol are major determinants of coronary heart disease. Saturated and trans fatty acids have a total and LDL cholesterol elevating effect and unsaturated fatty acids a lowering effect. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids seem to have a protective effect on coronary heart disease occurrence independent of their effect on cholesterol. Dietary antioxidants could be of importance because they may prevent oxidation of the atherogenic cholesterol rich LDL lipoproteins. There is however no convincing evidence that either vitamin E, carotenoids or vitamin C protect against coronary heart disease. Observational research has shown that flavonols, polyphenols with strong antioxidant properties present in plant foods, may protect against coronary heart disease. Blood pressure is a major determinant of coronary heart disease and stroke. Historically salt is viewed as the most important dietary determinant of blood pressure. Recent research shows that also a low-fat diet rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium lowers blood pressure substantially. This suggests a multifactorial influence of different nutrients on blood pressure. It can be concluded that a diet low in saturated and trans fatty acids and rich in plant foods in combination with regular fish consumption is associated with a low risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Variable amounts of olive oil rather than hard fats were used in classic Mediterranean diets. We review the effects of replacing hard fats with olive oils or starchy foods on blood lipoprotein concentrations. The saturated fatty acids lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids raise both low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) somewhat compared with oleic acid. If any fat is replaced by carbohydrates, fasting triglyceride values rise and HDL concentrations fall; effects on LDL depend on the type of fat that is being replaced. Trans isomers of oleic acid lower HDL and raise LDL and lipoprotein(a). The fatty acids in unhydrogenated fish oil potently lower triglycerides but may raise LDL somewhat. When body weight is forcibly kept constant, substitution of unsaturated oils such as olive oil for hard fats rich in saturated or trans fatty acids will produce a more favorable lipoprotein profile than replacement of fat by carbohydrates. However, high-oil diets might lead to obesity, which would undo their favorable effects.