Inflammation and conjugated linoleic acid: mechanisms of action and implications for human health

ABSTRACT

Data from a number of studies and trials have shown that different conjugatedlinoleic acids (CLA’s) may produce beneficial effects on cancer, atherosclerosis,hypertension, diabetes and changes in body composition. Despite the increasingknowledge about CLA´s implications on health, the mechanism of action of thesefatty acids is not completely understood. Moreover, human studies indicate thatsome of these beneficial effects are considerably less evident than anticipated frommice studies, while the efficacy and safety of dietary supplements containing CLAhave been questioned in some intervention trials. Recently, it has been suggested thatthe anti-carcinogenic and anti-atherosclerosis effects of CLA’s stem from its antiinflammatoryproperties. Because inflammatory responses are associated with thepathophysiology of many diseases, including obesity and the metabolic syndrome,the investigation in this area is of growing interest in recent years (AU)

RESUMEN

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