Profiles of circulating fatty acids are population-specific and linked to prostate cancer

Abstract High fatty acid intake is thought to increase cancer risk. This relationship remains poorly explored in African-descent populations. We examined 24 circulating fatty acids in 2,934 men, including 1,431 prostate cancer cases and 1,503 population controls from Ghana and African Americans and European Americans from the United States, using CLIA-certified mass spectrometry-based assays. We investigated associations with prostate cancer, lifestyle factors, and the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genetic locus. Levels of circulating fatty acid varied robustly between the three population groups, particularly trans, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Yet, trans fatty acids, namely elaidic, palmitelaidic, and linoelaidic acids, whose levels were higher in populations from the United States compared to Ghanaian men, were associated with increased odds of prostate cancer among all men. FADS1/2 germline genetic variants and lifestyle explained some of the variation in fatty acid levels, with the FADS1/2 locus showing population-specific associations, suggesting differences in genetic control.