In vitro differentiation of human monocytes to macrophages results in depletion of antioxidants and increase in n-3 fatty acids levels

The lipid composition and alpha-tocopherol content of human monocytes were investigated before and after their differentiation to macrophages. The tot al lipid and protein content per number of cells increased after the differ entiation of monocytes bg approximately four-fold; a two-fold increase in d ocosahexaenoic and docosapentaenoic acids and a two-fold decrease in linole ic acid were also noted, As opposed to an initial monocytic vitamin E conte nt of 4.75 pmol/10(6) cells, macrophagic vitamin E levels were undetectable . Changes in vitamin E and fatty acids contents in macrophages, with respec t to monocytes, appear to reflect the lipid composition of fetal calf serum , that is low in vitamin E and has a proportionally higher docosahexaenoic acid content than adult human serum. (C) 2000 Federation of European Bioche mical Societies.