Metabolism of trans fatty acids with emphasis on the effects of trans, trans-octadecadienoate on lipid composition, essential fatty acid, and prostaglandins: an overview.

Information concerning the metabolism of trans isomers of dietary unsaturated fatty acids is presented. Dietary trans-octadecenoic and trans,trans-octadecadienoic acids are apparently absorbed, activated, oxidized, and acylated into ester lipids much like saturated fatty acids although differences have been observed with regard to their metabolism by different organs. Because of the important role of linoleic acid as the principal precursor of cyclic endoperoxides, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, the potential deleterious effects of trans isomers of this acid are discussed. High levels of dietary trans,trans lineoleate can impair delta 6 desaturase activity and decrease prostaglandin production in rats on experimental diets.