Cheek cell phospholipids in human infants: a marker of docosahexaenoic andarachidonic acids in the diet, plasma, and red blood cells

Citation
Sl. Connor et al., Cheek cell phospholipids in human infants: a marker of docosahexaenoic andarachidonic acids in the diet, plasma, and red blood cells, AM J CLIN N, 71(1), 2000, pp. 21-27
Citations number
25
Categorie Soggetti
Endocrynology, Metabolism & Nutrition","Endocrinology, Nutrition & Metabolism
Journal title
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION
ISSN journal
00029165 → ACNP
Volume
71
Issue
1
Year of publication
2000
Pages
21 - 27
Database
ISI
SICI code
0002-9165(200001)71:1<21:CCPIHI>2.0.ZU;2-P
Abstract
Background: Assessment of essential fatty acid status requires collection o f blood or adipose tissue samples. However, these invasive techniques canno t always be used in studies involving infants, young children, or subjects from whom it is difficult to obtain blood. A body tissue that is easy to ac cess is the buccal mucosa (cheek cells). Objective: The objective was to investigate the degree to which fatty acids of cheek cells reflect the fatty acid content of plasma, red blood cells, and the diet. Design: Thirty-one infants aged 12 mo were enrolled. Five infants were fed human milk and 26 infants received formulas that provided a wide range of a rachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) intakes, Cheek cells were co llected on a small piece of gauze by gently swabbing the inside of the chee k 3 times. Lipids were extracted from the gauze and the phospholipid fatty acid content of the cheek cells was determined. Results: Cheek cell DHA and arachidonic acid in phospholipids were signific antly correlated with DHA and arachidonic acid in plasma [r = 0.61 (P < 0.0 01) and r = 0.37 (P < 0.05), respectively], red blood cells [r = 0.58 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.37 (P < 0.05), respectively], and the diet [r = 0.65 (P < 0.001) and r = 0.51 (P < 0.01), respectively]. Conclusions: Given these correlations and the ease and noninvasive nature o f this technique, cheek cell fatty acids may serve as a marker of the essen tial fatty acid content, especially of DHA and arachidonic acid, in plasma, red blood cells, and the diet.