The branched chain fatty acid iso‐14:0 is metabolized by Caco‐2 cells

Background & Objective We recently showed differences in the distribution of branched‐chain fatty acids (BCFA) in the vernix and meconium of healthy newborns: BCFA with < 16 carbons were detected in vernix but not in meconium. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that iso14:0 is taken up and metabolized by the enterocyte, using the colon carcinoma (Caco‐2) cell culture model. Method Caco‐2 cells were grown in 6 trans‐membrane well plates with 0.4µ inserts in appropriate media. Graded levels of iso14:0 (0.0‐0.5mM) were delivered to the cells as micelles in serum free media. After 4 hours incubation, apical and basolateral media were collected and cells were harvested to analyze the lipid classes and fatty acids. Results Micelle iso14:0 taken up by Caco‐2 cells and incorporated into phospholipids and monoglyceride lipid fractions. The BCFA iso12:0 and iso16:0 were detected in treated cells but not in controls. In the 0.5mM treatment, iso14:0 was found in the basolateral media. Conclusion Caco‐2 cells take up iso14:0 and incorporate it into to phospholipids. iso‐14:0 is also oxidized and elongated by the cells. Support NIH grant GM71534.