Incorporation and metabolism of trans 20∶5 in endothelial cells. Effect on prostacyclin synthesis

To study the ability of long-chain trans fatty acids (FA) to be incorporated and metabolized into endothelial cells, bovine aortic endothelial cells were incubated with medium enriched eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) bound to albumin (M2) or one of its geometrical isomers: 20:5 5c,8c,11t,14c,17c (M3), 20:5 5c,8c,11c,14c,17t (M4), or 20:5 5c,8c,11t,14c,17t (M5). After 48 h of incubation, supernatant and cells were harvested and their lipids were analyzed, including prostacyclin synthesis. EPA and 22:5n-3 of endothelial cells incubated with M2 were, respectively, three and two times higher than in control cells (incubated in M1, without any fatty acid added), whereas 22:6n-3 increased only in the…