Conjugated linoleic acid suppresses the secretion of atherogenic lipoproteins from human HepG2 liver cells

Studies in healthy humans have shown that consumption of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) significantly reduced very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) blood concentrations. We propose that decreased concentrations are due to the inhibition of VLDL production and secretion [measured by apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100)] from the liver. To investigate the effects of a mixture of CLA isomers on VLDL metabolism, HepG2 liver cells were incubated for 24 h with 50 μmol/L of the different fatty acids. Effects of CLA were compared to a saturated fatty acid (palmitic acid), an n-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) and no treatment (control). HepG2-cell apoB100 levels were measured using Western blotting. ApoB100 secretion was significantly decreased in cells treated with CLA (44%, p