This article was originally published in the January 2016 edition of Matreya’s Newsletter for Glyco/Sphingolipid Research (PDF).

9(Z),11(E)-Octadecadienoic acid (sodium salt) is a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that has unique water-soluble properties. One major challenge to the study of CLA isomers is its method of delivery in biological experiments. By making it water soluble, this CLA salt can be introduced into various aqueous systems, thereby reducing method variations.

CLA is found mostly in lipids originating in ruminant animals including dairy products. It has several biological properties including anticarcinogenic activity, suppressing in vitro growth of human melanoma, colorectal, and breast cancer cells, and exhibiting anti-atherogenic activity.¹ It is thought that CLA itself may not have antioxidant capabilities but may produce substances that protect cells from the detrimental effects of peroxides. 9(Z),11(E)-CLA is the major natural isomer of CLA constituting 73% to 93% of the total CLA in dairy products.² It appears to be the most biologically active isomer. It enhances animal growth and inhibits osteoclast formation and activity from human cells,³ as well as decreases LDL:HDL and total HDL:total cholesterol levels in humans.⁴ 

Animals fed a diet containing high levels of CLA have improved feed efficiency (lean body mass increased while body fat decreased).⁵ This seems to be due, mainly or exclusively, to the 10(E),12(Z)-CLA. However, this isomer appears to increase oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in obese men, which can lead to insulin resistance.^6,7 10(E),12(Z)-CLA increases LDL:HDL cholesterol and HDL:total cholesterol in humans.⁴ 

Research in the CLA area is often hindered by a lack of pure standards. Cayman is proud to offer an extensive line of CLA isomers of high purity that are ideal for determining the specific effects of the individual CLA isomers in biological systems.

References

1. MacDonald, H.B. Conjugated linoleic acid and disease prevention: A review of current knowledge. J. Am. Coll. Nutr. 19(2 Suppl), 111S-118S (2000).

2. Belury, M.A. Dietary conjugated linoleic acid in health: Physiological effects and mechanisms of action. Annu. Rev. Nutr. 22, 505-531 (2002).

3. Platt, I. and El-Sohemy, A. Effects of 9cis,11trans and 10trans,12cis CLA on osteoclast formation and activity from human CD14+ monocytes. Lipids Health Dis. 8, 15 (2009).

4. Tricon, S., Burdge, G.C., Kew, S., et al. Opposing effects of cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid on blood lipids in healthy humans. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 80(3), 614-620 (2004).

5. Wang, Y. and Jones, P.J.H. Dietary conjugated linoleic acid and body composition. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 79(6 Suppl), 1153S-1158S (2004).

6. Risérus, U., Basu, S., Jovinge, S. et al. Supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid causes isomer-dependent oxidative stress and elevated C-reactive protein: A potential link to fatty acid-induced insulin resistance. Circulation 106(15), 1925-1929 (2002).

7. Chung, S., Brown, J.M., Provo, J.N., et al. Conjugated linoleic acid promotes human adipocyte insulin resistance through NFκB-dependent cytokine production. J. Biol. Chem. 280(46), 38445-38456 (2005).