Table 5.
Changes in delta-5 and delta-6 desaturase activity following daily intervention for four weeks with the placebo (PLB) drink, the polyphenol low-dose chokeberry juice (AMJd), and the polyphenol high-dose chokeberry juice (AMJ).
| PLB (n = 26) | AMJd (n = 27) | AMJ (n =27) | p-Value (between Groups) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta-5 desaturase activity | ||||
| Baseline | 3.40 (1.91) | 3.68 (2.30) | 3.86 (2.10) | 0.75 |
| End of trial | 4.14 (1.72) | 3.85 (1.79) | 4.02 (1.63) | 0.91 |
| Δ (Δ%) | −0.09 (−2.30%) | 0.12 (3.66%) | 0.10 (2.53%) | 0.73 |
| p-value (intragroup) | 0.71 | 0.90 | 0.37 | |
| Delta-6 desaturase activity | ||||
| Baseline | 0.13 (0.05) | 0.11 (0.07) | 0.13 (0.09) | 0.35 |
| End of trial | 0.12 (0.06) | 0.11 (0.07) | 0.11 (0.05) | 0.95 |
| Δ (Δ%) | 0.001 (1.17%) | 0.001 (1.00%) | −0.01 (−7.30%) | 0.49 |
| p-value (intragroup) | 0.39 | 0.98 | 0.09 | |
Activity of the enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism was estimated based on the ratios: arachidonic acid/dihomo-γ-linolenic acid for delta-5 desaturase and dihomo-γ-linolenic acid/linoleic acid for delta-6 desaturase. Results are presented as the median (IQR); Δ: median of (end-baseline) values; Δ%: median of ((end-baseline values)/baseline) × 100. Between groups differences were estimated by the non-parametric test of Kruskal-Wallis and intragroup differences by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Mann-Whitney test was applied when there was difference between groups.