GC used in fatty acid study

Gas chromatography has been used in an investigation into the effect of fatty acids on cells within the body.

In a study published in the Lipids in Health and Disease Journal, a team of scientists aimed to determine the cell death and survival rate and changes in expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and receptors following treatment with both canola oil and corn oil.

The western diet is high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega 3 fatty acids, with canola oil having a healthier ratio of the two than corn oil.

Scientists Gabriela Ion, Kayla Fazio, Juliana Akinsete and W Elaine Hardman used gas chromatography to access the fatty acid uptake of the cells, while death and survival rates were evaluated by cell cycle analyses, propidium-iodide staining, trypan blue exclusion and phosphatidylserine externalisation.

As a result of the tests the team determined that the use of canola oil as a substitute to corn oil may be beneficial to those with diseases promoted by inflammation.