Use of trans-palmitoleate in identifying and treating metabolic disease

Abstract

The present invention provides for a novel lipokine, trans-C16:ln 7-palmitoleate, which also serves as a biomarker for metabolic status. More specifically, low concentrations of trans-C16:ln 7-palmitoleate the serum indicates a risk of metabolic disease. Additionally, administering trans C16:ln 7-palmitoleate to a subject (via pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or other means), positively impacts glucose metabolism.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or dietary formulation, or dietary supplement, that provides trans-palmitoleic acid delivery to an individual, wherein the trans-palmitoleate is present in the formulation or supplement at a concentration of at least 1%. 
     
     
         2 . The pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or dietary formulation, or dietary supplement, of  claim 1 , wherein the trans-palmitoleate is at least 6% of total fatty acids present in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or dietary formulation, or dietary supplement. 
     
     
         3 . The pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or dietary formulation, or dietary supplement of  claim 1 , wherein the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical or dietary formulation, or dietary supplement is substantially free of milk.