TYPE-A BEHAVIOR AND ADIPOSE-TISSUE LINOLEIC-ACID - IMPLICATIONS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the rel ation between Type A behavior and adipose tissue linoleic acid composi tion. Methods: The sample consisted of 73 male and female Cretan adult s, 23-64 years of age. Anthropometric and arterial blood pressure meas urements were taken. Adipose tissue samples were collected by aspirati on and data concerning general health habits were obtained. Food intak e was estimated by a 24-hour dietary recall. while Type A profile was assessed with a Greek translation of the Bortner scale. Results: Facto rs associated with Type A profile are adipose tissue linoleic acid (p < 0.0002). annual income (p < 0.001), total serum cholesterol (p < 0.0 09), and adipose fat myristoleic acid (p < 0.02). Negative correlation s were observed between adipose linoleic and myristoleic acids and the dependent variable. Conclusion: It appears that adipose tissue linole ic acid may be one of the etiological factors for Type A behavior in a dults.