PT20 - WHOLE BODY RESERVES OF POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (PUFAS) IN INDIVIDUALS DYING IN FULL HEALTH

PT20

WHOLE BODY RESERVES OF POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS (PUFAS) IN INDIVIDUALS DYING IN FULL HEALTH

P. Skořepa^1,2,*, M. Vecka^3,4, M. Burda⁵, I. Selke Krulichová⁶, P. Hejna⁷, R. Hyšpler⁸, A. Žák³, Z. Zadák¹

¹3rd Department of Internal Medicine-Metabolic Care and Gerontology, University Hospital Hradec Kralove and Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, ²Deparment of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, University of Defence, Military faculty of Medicine, Hradec Kralove, ³4th Department of Internal Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Charles University, ⁴Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, ⁵Institute for Research and Applications of Fuzzy Modeling, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, ⁶Department of Medical Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, ⁷Department of Forensic Medicine, ⁸Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Kralove and Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic

Rationale: It is hypothesized that certain human organs accumulate high concentrations of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential for physiological function. These fatty acids are key precursors for eicosanoid synthesis, influencing metabolic and immune pathways. However, data on their organ-specific distribution remain limited. Using a novel approach, we quantified their composition across multiple human organs.

Methods: Tissue samples (brain, heart, right lung, left lung, spleen, kidneys, and liver) were collected post-mortem from individuals who died in traffic or sports accidents, with no prior history of illness. Lipids were extracted, hydrolyzed, and analyzed with internal standard by gas chromatography. The composition of selected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was quantified as absolute amounts (mg per 100 g of tissue), and extrapolated to whole-organ levels based on total organ weight.

Results: Tissues from 14 cadavers were analyzed, resulting in a total of 93.404 grams (Q1–Q3: 84.760–106.636) of omega-6 fatty acids and 7.744 grams (Q1–Q3: 7.508–9.027) of omega-3 fatty acids across seven different organs. The composition varied significantly between organs, with the liver having the highest concentration of omega-6 fatty acids at 34.170 grams (Q1–Q3: 34.466–39.985), while the brain exhibited the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids, at 4.631 grams (Q1–Q3: 4.000–5.983).

Conclusion: This study provides the first comprehensive data on the organ-specific distribution of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in humans. The results highlight variations in PUFA concentrations across organs. These findings offer insights into the physiological roles of PUFAs and establish a foundation for future research.

References: Supported by MH CZ – DRO (UHHK, 00179906) and by DZRO-FVZ22-KLINIKA II

Disclosure of Interest: None declared