Type A behavior and adipose tissue linoleic acid: implications for stress management.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between Type A behavior and adipose tissue linoleic acid composition.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 73 male and female Cretan adults, 23-64 years of age. Anthropometric and arterial blood pressure measurements were taken. Adipose tissue samples were collected by aspiration and data concerning general health habits were obtained. Food intake was estimated by a 24-hour dietary recall, while Type A profile was assessed with a Greek translation of the Bortner scale.

RESULTS

Factors associated with Type A profile are adipose tissue linoleic acid (p < 0.0004), annual income (p < 0.001), total serum cholesterol (p < 0.009), and adipose fat myristoleic acid (p < 0.02). Negative correlations were observed between adipose linoleic and myristoleic acids and the dependent variable.

CONCLUSION

It appears that adipose tissue linoleic acid may be one of the etiological factors for Type A behavior in adults.