Effects of a fat emulsion containing medium chain fatty acids and long chain fatty acids on protein and energy metabolism in partially hepatectomized rats

Protein and energy metabolism were examined in 34 partially hepatectomized rats (70%), receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The TPN contained either long chain triglycerides (LCT) or triglycerides comprising both medium- (MCFA) and long chain fatty acids (LCFA) on the same carbon skeleton (MILT, medium- and long chain triglyceride). The rats were divided into 4 groups with and without glucose (G) supplementation: LCT+G, LCT-G, MLT+G, MLT-G. 3 days after surgery protein synthetic rate in skeletal muscle, as evaluated from in vitro incorporation of 14C-phenylalanine into muscle protein, was significantly higher in rats receiving MLT if compared to rats receiving LCT (p < 0.05). Rats receiving MLT lost significantly less weight during the study period when compared to the LCT group (p < 0.005). Increased leucine oxidation was observed in rats receiving TPN without glucose regardless of the type of fat emulsion used (p < 0.05). In conclusion, when given to partially hepatectomized rats TPN containing both MCFA and LCFA exerts a stimulatory effect on muscle protein synthesis and preserves body weight better than an emulsion containing LCT only.