Effect of trans fatty acids on calcium influx into human arterial endothelial cells

Abstract

Background: A recent task force of The American Society for Clinical Nutrition and American Society for Nutritional Sciences recommended in a position paper on trans fatty acids that models be developed to assess the effects of changes in fat intake on-disease risk. Objective: The objective was to investigate, using human arterial endothelial cells as a model, the influence of trans fatty acids and magnesium on cell membrane composition and on calcium influx into arterial cells, a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Design: Endothelial cells were cultured for 3 d in media with high (adequate) or low (inadequate)amounts of magnesium plus various concentrations of trans, trans linoelaidic; cis, cis linoleic; trans elaidic; oleic; or stearic acids. The cells were then harvested and the fatty acid composition and the amount of 45Ca2+ incorporated into the cell was determined. Results: The percentage of fatty acids incorporated into the endothelial cells was proportional to the amount added to the culture medium. Adequate magnesium was crucial in preventing calcium influx into endothelial cells. Without an adequate amount of magnesium in the culture medium, linoelaidic and elaidic acids, even at low concentrations, increased the incorporation of 45Ca2+ into the cells, whereas stearic acid and oleic acid did not (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our model indicated that a diet inadequate in magnesium combined with trans fat may increase the risk of calcification of endothelial cells.