Sn-2-monoacylglycerols and lipid malabsorption

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to the field of lipids and in particular aims at improving lipid absorption, for example under conditions of lipid maldigestion or malabsorption. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a composition comprising a sn-2 monoacylglycerol derivative, wherein the sn-1 and sn-3 positions are blocked by protective groups. The acyl group may be a fatty acid, for example one with anti-inflammatory properties.

1 . Composition comprising an sn-2 monoacylglycerol derivative, wherein the sn-1 and sn-3 positions are blocked by protective groups and the acyl group is a fatty acid having anti-inflammatory properties. 
     
     
         2 . Composition in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the fatty acid having anti-inflammatory properties is selected from the group consisting of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), α-linolenic acid (ALA), stearidonic acid (SA), γ-linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), n-3 docosapentanenoic acid (DPA), sciadonic acid and juniperonic acid. 
     
     
         3 . Composition in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the protective groups are selected from the group consisting of acetyl groups, ethyl groups, propyl groups, vanillin, and other molecules able to form acetals. 
     
     
         4 . Composition in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the sn-2 monoacylglycerol derivative is selected from the group consisting of 1,3-diacetyl-2-eicosapentaenoylglycerol, 1,3-diethyl-2-eicosapentaenoylglycerol, 1,3-dipropyl-2-eicosapentaenoylglycerol, a vanillin derivative of sn-2 monoeicosapentaenoylglycerol, other acetal derivatives of monoeicosapentaenoylglycerol, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         5 . Composition in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of a food product, an animal food product, a pharmaceutical composition, a nutritional composition, a nutraceutical, a drink, a food additive and a medicament. 
     
     
         6 . Composition in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the composition has a caloric density of 0.5 kcal/ml to 15 kcal/ml. 
     
     
         7 . Composition in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the sn-2 monoacylglycerol derivative provides about 3% to 40% of the energy of the composition. 
     
     
         8 . Composition in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the composition contains comprises a combination of different sn-2 monoacylglycerol derivatives. 
     
     
         9 . A method for delivering fatty acids to an individual having lipid maldigestion or malabsorption comprising the step of administering a composition comprising an sn-2 monoacylglycerol derivative, wherein the sn-1 and sn-3 positions are blocked by protective groups and the acyl group is a fatty acid having anti-inflammatory properties to an individual in need of same. 
     
     
         10 . A method for treating lipid maldigestion or malabsorption condition. 
     
     
         11 . Method in accordance with  claim 9 , wherein the maldigestion or malabsorption condition is due to pancreatic insufficiency, bile salt deficiency, a mucosal disorder and/or a short gut. 
     
     
         12 . A method for the treatment or prevention of inflammatory disorders comprising the step of administering a composition comprising an sn-2 monoacylglycerol derivative, wherein the sn-1 and sn-3 positions are blocked by protective groups and the acyl group is a fatty acid having anti-inflammatory properties to an individual in need of same. 
     
     
         13 . Composition in accordance with  claim 12 , wherein the inflammatory disorder is selected from the group consisting of acute inflammations such as sepsis, and chronic inflammations such as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, necrotizing enterocolitis, skin inflammation, such as UV or chemical-induced skin inflammation, eczema, reactive skin, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne, inflammatory bowel syndrome, liver inflammation, alcoholic cirrhosis, allergy, atopy, bone inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, dermato-myositis, thyroiditis, type I diabetes, celiac disease, Biermer's disease, multiple sclerosis, encephalomyelitis, eye inflammation, obesity-associated inflammation, age-related low-grade inflammation, Blau's syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, and metabolic syndrome. 
     
     
         14 . A method for the treatment of prevention of disorders associated with lipid maldigestion or malabsorption conditions comprising the step of administering a composition comprising an sn-2 monoacylglycerol derivative, wherein the sn-1 and sn- 3  positions are blocked by protective groups and the acyl group is a fatty acid having anti-inflammatory properties to an individual in need of same. 
     
     
         15 . Method in accordance with  claim 14  to be administered to pre-term infants.