Plasma Cholesterol Ester Fatty Acids: A New Biochemical Abnormality in Obstructive Jaundice

Changes in fatty acid patterns may explain many of the observed abnormalities found in obstructive jaundice. This study looked at fatty acids in plasma cholesterol esters, in a group of patients with obstructive jaundice and a matched group of controls. Significant abnormalities were demonstrated, most importantly a fall in essential fatty acids, in the jaundiced group. Overall the saturation of this fraction, as assessed by double bond index, rose. The essential fatty acids are important as factors in membrane function and as precursors of eicosanoids. The abnormalities found in this study provide further evidence of the significance of EFA in patients with obstructive jaundice.