Elaidic acid sustains LPS and TNF-alpha induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-I expression on human bone marrow endothelial cells (HBMEC).

Elaidic acid, the predominant trans-fatty acid in industrially hydrogenated oils, exists on high levels in Iranian hydrogenated oils and margarines. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of elaidic acid and its cis-counterpart oleic acid on expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 on human bone marrow endothelial cells (HBMECs). HBMEC were pre-treated with TNF-alpha or LPS for induction of the adhesion molecules expression, and then treated with elaidic acid or oleic acid. Soluble and cell associated forms of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were quantified by ELISA and Western blot. Our findings indicated that oleic acid suppresses VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression on HBMEC near to the basal level. Conversely, elaidic acid maintained the level of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 up-regulated by TNF-alpha or LPS. It is suggested that elaidic acid could keep the HBMEC at the stimulated phenotype. These findings provide further support on the detrimental effects of elaidic acid in promotion and induction of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).