Influence of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on the function of blood vessel cells

Robert Ringseis, Klaus Eder, Halle

Conjugated linoleic acids effectively inhibit atherogenesis in animal models. The underlying mechanisms of action are currently not fully understood.

However, studies on cultures of arterial cell walls permit detailed insight into the cellular mechanisms of action of CLAs and show that CLAs activate peroxisome activated receptors(PPARs) localised in the cell nucleus, leading to a variety of favourable effects, including modulation of the release of vascularly active substances from endothelial cells, attenuation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes in vascular cells and reduction of cholesterol accumulation in macrophage foam cells. These effects could provide at least a partial explanation of the in vivo inhibition of atherogenesis by CLAs.

Keywords: conjugated linoleic acids, CLA, atherosclerosis, atherogenesis, PPAR, foam cells

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