Effects of Palmitoleic Acid on Circulating C-reactive Protein Levels in Humans

Palmitoleic acid (POA) is a monounsaturated fatty acid that has recently been shown to function as a lipokine and is present in the human diet and in blood serum. While there is emerging evidence that POA can positively impact beta cell proliferation, reduce lipogenesis, support endothelial function, and suppress cytokine production, POA remains to be poorly studied for its beneficial anti-inflammatory potential. The latest studies suggest that POA could attenuate inflammation in metabolically active tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine if administration of POA in 2 varying doses to overweight participants with biomarkers of chronic inflammation will lower circulating c-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokine levels, as well as improve metabolism by lowering levels of circulating leptin and raising expression of adiponectin. The rationale for focusing on overweight individuals is that they routinely have elevated c-reactive protein levels and are highly prone to have chronic inflammation.

Investigators propose a 12-week randomized, double blinded study to assess changes in select inflammatory markers, ghrelin, peptide YY, cardiovascular lipids, fatty acid levels, and glucose sensitivity markers in volunteers consuming either the test agent, 500 mg or 1,000 mg POA per day, or an olive oil containing fatty acid (placebo). There are three arms to study and 41 individuals per arm, thus, a total of 123 subjects. Approximately 30% loss of subjects is expected. Administration of the POA supplements and placebo (olive oil capsules) will be double blinded. The study sponsor will hold the code for the subjects and will randomize the capsules. Only the study sponsor will have the code. The identity of the capsules will be revealed after the completion of the study. Subjects will bring back their bottles at each of the concurrent visits and the end of the study to assess compliance and to account for any missed doses of POA. The rationale for selecting olive oil as a placebo is that olive oil is routinely consumed by the public. Additionally, oleic acid (the active ingredient of olive oil) is the most prevalent fatty acid in human circulation, and olive oil is a routine placebo for fatty acid intervention studies. The olive oil will not be extra virgin olive oil that has several bioactive components. POA is virtually tasteless, thus participants should not be able to self-identify their regimen of either placebo or active test agent. The rationale for the experimental dose follows what is commercially available in POA products, which average 700 mg per day and generally range from 450 - 1000 mg per day regimens. The rationale for the 12-week time frame is to ensure uptake of POA into the target cells.