N-3 Polyunsaturated acids in erythrocyte phospholipids are associated with insulin sensitivity in obese patients on a typical Serbian diet

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between erythrocyte phospholipid FA composition and insulin sensitivity in obese patients on a typical Serbian diet. In 30 patients, two insulin sensitivity groups were formed and their FAs analyzed. The shares of 22:5n-3, 22:6n-3, and total n-3 PUFAs, as well as a measure of δ5 desaturase activity (the 20:4n-6/20:3n-6 ratio) were lower in the insulin resistance group compared to the normal glucose tolerance group. The fasting insulin level and HOMA value were inversely related to the percentage of 22:5n-3, 22:6n-3, and total n-3 PUFAs. Our data indicate that the percentage of n-3 PUFAs in erythrocyte phospholipids is linked with insulin sensitivity parameters in obese patients.