Fatty acids profile in plasma of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM).

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal gammopathies, including monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM), are plasma-cell disorders linked to profound metabolic remodeling. Lipid metabolism, particularly the balance between n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), plays a pivotal role in inflammation, membrane dynamics, and tumor progression.

METHODS

Plasma fatty acid (FA) profiles were analyzed in patients with MGUS, MM, and healthy controls via gas chromatography. Desaturase indices (Δ5D, Δ6D, Δ9SCD1, Δ9SCD2) were calculated from FA ratios.

RESULTS

MM patients exhibited significantly higher palmitic acid and lower n-3 PUFA levels (EPA, DHA) compared to controls (p <0.05), reflecting a pro-inflammatory lipid milieu. MGUS patients showed increased oleic acid and markedly elevated Δ9-desaturase activity, suggesting enhanced monounsaturated FA synthesis during early plasma-cell transformation. The n-3/n-6 ratio decreased progressively from controls (1.0) to MGUS (0.5) and MM (0.4). Trans fatty acids were substantially elevated in MGUS and MM compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Altered plasma FA composition and desaturase activity indicate lipid metabolic reprogram- ming in MGUS and MM. The progressive reduction of the n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio underscores a shift toward a pro-inflammatory state that may promote malignant transformation. Lipidomic profiling could serve as an early biomarker of disease evolution, and dietary modulation of n-3 PUFAs may hold therapeutic potential.