Conjugated linoleic acid improves endothelial Ca2+ signaling by blocking growth factor and cytokine-mediated Cx43 phosphorylation.

Sustained Ca burst signaling is crucial for endothelial vasodilator production and is disrupted by growth factors and cytokines. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a Src inhibitor in certain preparations, is generally regarded as safe during pregnancy by the FDA. Multiple CLA preparations; t10, c12 or c9, t11 CLA, or a 1:1 mixture of the two were administered before growth factor or cytokine treatment. Growth factors and cytokines caused a significant decrease in Ca burst numbers in response to ATP stimulation. Both t10, c12 CLA and the 1:1 mixture rescued VEGF or TNFα inhibited Ca bursts and correlated with Src-specific phosphorylation of connexin 43. VEGF, TNFα, and IL-6 in combination at physiologic concentrations revealed IL-6 amplified the inhibitory effects of lower dose of VEGF and TNFα. Again, the 1:1 CLA mixture was most effective at rescue of function. Therefore, CLA formulations may be a promising treatment for endothelial dysfunction in diseases such as preeclampsia.