Lipid metabolic enzymes, genetic study

Epidemiological studies have revealed a positive correlation between the proportions of palmitoleic acid, y-linolenic acid (GLA 18 3n-6), and dihomo-y-linolenic acid (DGLA 20 3n-6) in serum cholesterol esters and the incidence of glucose intolerance and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (Vessby et al., 1994). There is also a correlation between the level of palmitoleic acid in serum and the risk of developing non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. This may be attributable to dietary factors but there is a strong possibility that genetically determined differences in the activities of enzymes involved in the synthesis and metabolism of fatty acids in the body may contribute to the correlation. This occurs through the effects of the enzymes on lipid composition and on insulin sensitivity (Borkman et al, 1993). 

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