Increase of plasma fatty acids without changes in n-6/n-3-PUFA ratio in asymptomatic obese subjects

Obesity is associated with a low grade inflammation which contributes to the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the total saturated (SFAs), monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in plasma from asymptomatic obese subjects and to determine the arachidonic/eicosapentanoic acid ratio [ARA/EPA] as a marker of inflammation, and its eventual association with ultrasensitive CRP. Fourteen obese (34.4 +/- 11.1y.; BMI: 36.0 +/- 4,5 kg/m2) and 12 normal-weight (30.6 +/- 7.8y.; BMI: 23,6 +/- 2,4 kg/m2) subjects were recruited and their plasma fatty acids were determined by gas chromatography. usCRP was higher in the obese subjects (p = 0.01) and…