Fatty Acid Desaturases Activity In Patients With Mild And Moderate Asthma

Perturbations in fatty acids (FAs) metabolism are closely related to numerous chronic diseases including respiratory disease. Diet, as well as desaturases activity, are important factors for FAs status of an organism and their metabolism. In our study we have estimated activity of stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (Scd-1), fatty acid desaturase 1 (Fads1), fatty acid desaturase 2 (Fads2) in patients with mild and moderate asthma. Fatty acids levels were quantified by LC/MS in plasma. The enzyme activities were estimated as the product-to-substrate ratio: 16:1n-9/16:0 for Scd-1, 20:4n-6/20:3n-6 for Fads1; 18:3n-6/18:2n-6 for Fads2. It has been shown that Scd-1, Fads1 и Fads2 activity were reduced in 2, 1.36, and 2 times respectively in patients with mild asthma compare to healthy individuals. At the same time, the fatty acids desaturases activity in patients with moderate asthma were decreased in 2, 1.8, and 4 times respectively compared to the healthy control group. Our results have revealed the reduction of fatty acid desaturases activity in patients with asthma depending on the severity of the disease. Significant suppression of Scd-1, Fads1, and Fads2 activity can influence on polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) metabolism, oxylipins synthesis, and immune function. Study of the activity of fatty acid desaturases can be a biomarker of asthma severity. Evidence emerging from human-based research demonstrates that genetic variation in human desaturase genes affects enzyme activity and, consequently, disease risk factors. Further deeper research is needed especially of fatty acid desaturase genotype in asthma.