Determining de novo lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis with Deuteromics

Determining de novo lipogenesis and cholesterol synthesis with Deuteromics

Recently, Lambert et al. (2013) investigated simultaneously fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis in type 1 diabetics.  Fractional lipid synthesis rates were measured using deuterium incorporation and stable isotope analysis by gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GCC-IRMS).  Measurement of de novo lipogenesis (DNL) by deuterium incorporation is safe, can be used with short measurement periods (<24 hours) and provides a highly sensitive and precise measurement of DNL. GCC-IRMS stable isotope analysis provides measurements of individual fatty acids and lipids.

Lambert used a single bolus of deuterium oxide and then supplemented deuterium in drinking water throughout the day.  Blood was collected at baseline, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after breakfast.  Lipids including triglycerides, free cholesterol, cholesteryl esters were extracted and isolated from plasma and VLDL.  Lipids were analyzed by GCC-IRMS stable isotope analysis.

Lambert et al is the first investigation of hepatic synthesis of total and individual fatty acids in humans with type 1 diabetes.  The data indicated that lipogenesis is not elevated in type 1 diabetics in contrast to type 2 diabetics.  It further suggests that dietary and pharmacological intervention, inhibiting absorption but not statins that block lipogenesis, maybe the best treatment for type 1 diabetics.

Are you interested in measuring de novo lipogenesis?  The role of carbohydrate overfeeding and insulin signaling pathways to alter the rate of new synthesis of lipids and cholesterol still require elucidation.  Metabolic Solutions can show you how to simultaneously explore multiple lipid pathways using deuterium labeling. We refer to this novel approach as Deuteromics. By combining advanced stable isotope analysis techniques with oral dosing of deuterium oxide (D2O), you can derive more information from a single dose administration.  Studies are compatible in human and animal research without costly constant infusion of isotope tracers. Further, the calculation of de novo lipogenesis does not require mass isotopomer analysis (binomial distribution analysis of all isotopic species).  This complex math and assumptions are not required with GCC-IRMS stable isotope analysis since the deuterium incorporation in the entire molecule is always measured.

Please contact us with further questions about setting up a Deuteromic approach in your research.