“Vaccenic acid (VA), the predominant ruminant-derived trans fat in the food chain, ameliorates hyperlipidemia yet mechanisms remain elusive. We investigated whether VA could influence tissue endocannabinoids (EC) by altering the availability of their biosynthetic precursor, arachidonic acid (AA) in membrane phospholipids (PL).
Interestingly, VA increased jejunal concentrations of anandamide and those of the non-cannabinoid signaling molecules, oleoylethanolamide and palmitoylethanolamide, relative to CD (P<0.05). This was consistent with a lower jejunal protein abundance (but not activity) of their degrading enzyme, fatty acid amide hydrolase and mRNA expression TNFα and IL-1β (P<0.05).
The ability of VA to reduce 2-AG in the liver and VAT provides a potential mechanistic explanation to alleviate ectopic lipid accumulation. The opposing regulation of EC and other non-cannabinoid lipid signaling molecules by VA suggests an activation of benefit via the EC system in the intestine.”