Mechanisms by which Dietary Fatty Acids Modulate Plasma Lipids
Open accessAbstract
Dietary fatty acids have a considerable effect on plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations and therefore on the risk for coronary heart disease. Numerous studies have been conducted in animal models to elucidate the mechanisms by which different types of fatty acids modulate plasma cholesterol concentrations. In addition, multiple clinical trials and epidemiological data have demonstrated the effects of fatty acids in determining the concentrations of circulating LDL. SFAs and trans fatty acids have a detrimental effect on plasma lipids, whereas PUFAs of the (n-6) family and monounsaturated fatty acids decrease plasma LDL-C concentrations. Among the SFAs, stearic acid (18:0) appears to have a neutral effect on LDL-C, while lauric (12:0), myristic (14:0), and palmitic (16:0) acids are considered to be hypercholesterolemic. SFAs increase plasma LDL-C by increasing the formation of LDL in the plasma compartment and by decreasing LDL turnover. Although unsaturated fatty acids increase cholesterol synthesis, they also increase hepatic LDL receptor number and LDL turnover in vivo. Fatty acids are also ligands of important regulatory elements, which can play a role in determining plasma cholesterol. This article presents a summary of the major effects of various types of fatty acids on plasma lipid concentrations and the mechanisms involved.
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PUFA lowers LDL cholesterol by increasing hepatic LDL receptor activity via decreased receptor turnover and increased receptor synthesis.
“PUFA lowers LDL cholesterol by increasing hepatic LDL receptor activity via decreased receptor turnover and increased receptor synthesis [6,7].”
From Dietary Polyunsaturated to Saturated Fatty Acid Ratio as an Indicator for LDL Cholesterol Response: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials (2025) · cites this paper as [6]
The “Fat saturation and cholesterol synthesis” section says PUFA-associated LDL-C lowering is likely due in part to LDL-receptor upregulation. “Fat saturation and LDL receptors” reports increased receptor levels and mRNA with PUFA intake and suggests an effect on receptor synthesis, but does not establish increased synthesis as the mechanism or mention decreased receptor turnover. Page numbers are unavailable in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.87)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredSFA raises LDL cholesterol by reducing hepatic LDL receptor activity.
“SFA raises LDL cholesterol by reducing hepatic LDL receptor activity”
PUFA and SFA have opposing actions on hepatic LDL receptors and therefore on LDL cholesterol.
“PUFA and SFA have opposing actions on hepatic LDL receptors and, therefore, LDL cholesterol [6,7].”
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- Authors
- Fernandez, M. L., & West, K. L.
- Affiliations
- University of Connecticut (US)
- Venue
- The Journal of Nutrition
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2005-09
- Volume
- 135
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 2075-2078
- ISSN
- 0022-3166 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W1961576110
- Cited by
- 469
- References
- 2
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 24 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 30 · 2021: 28 · 2020: 44 · 2019: 35 · 2018: 28 · 2017: 37 · 2016: 23 · 2015: 18 · 2014: 16 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 17
- FWCI
- 1.63
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Nutrition (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Cholesterol and Lipid Metabolism
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Surgery › Lipoproteins and Cardiovascular Health
- Keywords
- dietary fatty acids, plasma LDL cholesterol, plasma lipids, saturated fatty acids, trans fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, stearic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, hepatic LDL receptor, cholesterol biosynthesis, fatty acid receptor, coronary heart disease risk
- MeSH terms
- Animals, Dietary Fats, Fatty Acids, Fatty Acids, Unsaturated, Humans, Lipids, Cholesterol, LDL, Receptors, LDL
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