ABSTRACT
The trans isomers of octadecenoic acid such as elaidic acid are known inhibitors of ∆6 desaturase. Elaidic acid is usually formed during the hardening process of vegetable oils. Unfortunately, this acid is considered to be a hypercholesterolemic fatty acid (14). Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), found in dairy products, is a trans-cis isomer of octadecadienoic acid. CLA has been shown to downregulate the metabolism of LA (15,16). CLA also reduces production of eicosanoids in several tissues (Fig. 3). The 9c,11t-isomer of conjugated linoleic acid appears to inhibit, whereas the 10t,12c-isomer stimulates eicosanoid production in human saphenous vein endothelial cells (16).
