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

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between Type A behavior and adipose tissue linoleic acid composition. 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. 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. It appears that adipose tissue linoleic acid may be one of the etiological factors for Type A behavior in adults.