The Fatty Acid Composition and Cholesterol and Vitamin Contents of Different Muscles of Esox lucius (Linnaeus, 1758) Living in Lake Ladik

Abstract

This study examines the fatty acid composition and cholesterol and vitamin contents of the muscles, liver, gonad and kidneys of pike living in Lake Ladik. Of the total Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA), the most predominant fatty acids present in both males and females are palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0) and myristic acid. The difference between the muscles are insignificant (p>0.05). With regard to the Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA), 18:1n-9, 18:1n-7 and 16:1 are predominantly found in the liver. The difference between the kidneys and the gonads are significant (p<0.05) but there is no significant difference between other muscles (p>0.05). Of the polyunsaturated fatty acids, the amount of n-3 PUFA is significantly different in muscle tissues compared with those of other tissues. Similar results were obtained for n-6 PUFA in kidney and for n-3/n-6 proportion in muscle tissues. The examination of the general compositions of the fatty acids reveal an intensification on 16:0, 16:1, 18:0, 18:1n-9, 18:1n-7, 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3. EPA + DHA amount and PUFA/SFA proportion are the highest in muscle tissue. The least amount of cholesterol on the other hand is found in muscle tissue and there is a significant difference with those of other tissues (p<0.05). The highest amount of K1 and K2 vitamins are found in gonads and D2, D3 and alpha-tocopherol were highest in liver. These analyses are conducted with GC and HPLC.