Negative correlation of eicosapentaenoic acid and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes of diabetics.

In 130 type I and II diabetics with normal serum lipids and in 98 diabetics with type IIa-V hyperlipoproteinemia (HLP), liver biopsies were performed if clinically indicated. During histological examinations of one half of the biopsy specimen lipid droplet size was classified into 4 categories, which were proved by morphometric studies, independent of the amount of fat. From the remaining part the fatty acid composition of triglycerides was analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. Moreover, the fatty acid pattern of serum triglycerides and subcutaneous adipose tissue from the abdominal wall was estimated. The percentage of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in triglycerides of normal diabetic liver (no visible fat) was remarkably high (greater than 30 per cent). In adipose tissue it was low (less than 1 per cent). In serum triglycerides it remained between liver and depot fat (about 3 per cent). EPA decreased with rising lipid droplet size in hepatocytes. Liver diseases, like chronic hepatitis, had no influence on the results. One year after clofibrate treatment, the percentage of EPA in liver appeared increased. In adipose tissue, however, it remained constant. In general, EPA in liver and serum triglycerides was higher in diabetics with normal serum lipids as compared to diabetics with HLP. The decreased availability of EPA in liver and serum triglycerides of diabetics with HLP suggests a significant correlation between this fatty acid and hepatic lipid accumulation which itself is associated with diseases known as risk factors of atherosclerosis.