abstract
This study investigates the effects of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids from different fat
sources (High Oleic Canola, Canola, Canola–Flaxseed (3:1 blend), Safflower, or Soybean Oil, or a Lardbased
diet) on adipose tissue function and markers of inflammation in Obese Prone rats fed high-fat (55%
energy) diets for 12 weeks. Adipose tissue fatty acid composition reflected the dietary fatty acid profiles.
Protein levels of fatty acid synthase, but not mRNA levels, were lower in adipose tissue of all groups
compared to the Lard group. Adiponectin and fatty acid receptors GPR41 and GPR43 protein levels were
also altered, but other metabolic and inflammatory mediators in adipose tissue and serum were
unchanged among groups. Overall, rats fed vegetable oil- or lard-based high-fat diets appear to be
largely resistant to major phenotypic changes when the dietary fat composition is altered, providing little
support for the importance of specific fatty acid profiles in the context of a high-fat diet.