Linoleic Acid Increases Prostaglandin E2 Release and Reduces Mitochondrial Respiration and Cell Viability in Human Trophoblast-Like Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The omega 6 fatty acid (FA) linoleic acid (LA) is required for embryonic development; however, omega 6 FAs can alter cellular metabolism via inflammation or modulation of mitochondrial function. Fetal LA is obtained from the maternal diet, and FAs are transported to the fetus via placental FA transporters (FATPs) and binding proteins (FABPs), but specific proteins responsible for LA transport in placental trophoblasts are unknown. Dietary LA consumption is increasing, but the effect of elevated LA on trophoblast function is not clear.

METHODS

Swan71 trophoblasts were exposed to physiological and supraphysiological concentrations of LA for 24 hours. Quantification of mRNA was determined using real time PCR, and protein concentration was determined by Western blot analysis. Cell viability, citrate synthase activity and mitochondrial respiration were determined.

RESULTS

Exposure to 300 and 500 μM LA increased FATP1 and FATP4 mRNA expression. 500 μM LA increased FATP1 and FATP4 protein expression. Exposure to 500 μM increased FABP5 mRNA expression, while exposure to 100 to 500 μM LA decreased FABP3 mRNA expression. 300 and 500 μM LA decreased FABP3 protein expression. Cell viability was decreased by exposure to LA (100 to 1000 μM). Citrate synthase activity and routine mitochondrial respiration were significantly decreased by exposure to 300 and 500 μM LA, and maximal respiration and spare respiratory capacity were decreased by exposure to 100 to 500 μM LA. 300 and 500 μM LA increased reactive oxygen species generation in human trophoblasts. Moreover, exposure to 300 and 500 μM LA decreased IL-6 secretion. Exposure to 500 μM LA increased IL-8, NF-κB and PPAR-γ mRNA expression, but decreased NF-κB protein expression. 300 μM LA decreased IL-8 protein expression. Further, exposure to 100 to 500 μM LA increased prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B₄ release.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to LA decreases cell viability, alters mRNA expression of FA transport related proteins, mitochondrial respiration and function, and inflammatory responses in trophoblasts. These findings may have implications on placental function when women consume high levels of LA.