Docosahexaenoic acid in plasma phosphatidylcholine may be a potential marker for in vivo phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase activity in humans.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Choline is an essential nutrient for humans, and part of this requirement is met by endogenous synthesis catalyzed by hepatic phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT). PEMT activity is difficult to estimate in humans because it requires a liver biopsy. Previously, we showed that mice that lack functional PEMT have dramatically reduced concentrations of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3) in plasma and of liver phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho)-a phospholipid formed by PEMT.

Objective

The objective was to evaluate plasma PtdCho-DHA concentrations as a noninvasive marker of liver PEMT activity in humans.

Design

Plasma PtdCho-DHA concentrations were measured in 72 humans before and after they consumed a low-choline diet, and correlations were analyzed in

SUBMITTER: da Costa KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3076652 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature