ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the background and current status of research on the effects of fatty acids on leukocyte function in an attempt to intercalate some of the biological observations into certain clinical scenarios in sepsis and oncology. The development of techniques for studying molecular interactions at the lymphocyte cell surface represent convenient tools for studying the modulatory effects of lymphocyte membrane lipid composition. Malnutrition occurs commonly in the cancer patient, particularly when the tumor is relatively advanced or when the primary lesion originates in the gastrointestinal tract. The impetus for the provision of intravenous protein and energy substrates in the traumatized or septic patient is the maintenance or restoration of the lean body mass. In contrast to the effects of polymorph and monocyte function, the position with regard to the influence of lipid emulsions on lymphocyte function is much less clear.
