Docosahexaenoic acid DHA

Arachidonic acid is present in membranes and accounts for 5-15% of the fatty acids in phospholipids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA 0)3, 22 6), which is syn-... 

Under physiologic conditions, the balance of membrane lipid metabolism, particularly that of arachidonoyl and docosahexaenoyl chains, favors a very small and tightly controlled cellular pool of free arachidonic acid (AA, 20 4n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 6n-3), but levels increase very rapidly upon cell activation, cerebral ischemia, seizures and other types of brain trauma [1, 2], Other free fatty acids (FFAs) in addition to AA, released during cell activation and the initial stages of focal and global cerebral ischemia, are stearic acid (18 0), palmitic acid (16 0) and oleic acid (18 1). 

Phospholipids of cellular membranes in the nervous system are endowed with the highest content of CO-3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). So far, the interpretation... 

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids that are most abundant in fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, and mackerel. A diet high in EPA plus DHA or supplementation with these fish oils reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality, reinfarction, and stroke in patients who have experienced an MI. 

Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially the n-3 series that are found in marine fish oils, modulate a variety of normal and disease processes, and consequently affect human health. PUFAs are classified based on the position of double bonds in their lipid structure and include the n-3 and n-6 series. Dietary n-3 PUFAs include a-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) whereas the most common n-6 PUFAs are linoleic acid, y-linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid (AA). AA is the primary precursor of eicosanoids, which includes the prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes. Collectively, these AA-derived mediators can exert profound effects on immune and inflammatory processes. Mammals can neither synthesize n-3 and n-6 PUFAs nor convert one variety to the other as they do not possess the appropriate enzymes. PUFAs are required for membrane formation and function... 

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 17 663, 665 Docosanoic acid, physical properties, 5 30t 4,8,12,15,19-Docosapentaenoic acid physical properties, 5 33t cis-ll-Docosenoic acid, physical properties, 5 3 It... 

Arachidonic acid (C20 4 n-6) is the precursor for the synthesis of prostaglandin molecules (Section 4.4.4), which have a wide range of biochemical effects on for example, the perception of pain, inflammation, blood clotting and smooth muscle contraction. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22 6) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20 5) are both n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which have been shown to have significantly beneficial effects on intellectual development and inflammatory conditions such as asthma and cardiovascular disease. 

Figure 11.12 Outline of the pathway by which a-linolenic acid is converted to eicosapentaenoic (ERA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

Another commercially available product containing naturally occurring marine products is Formulaid , produced by Martek Biosciences as a nutritional supplement for infant formulas. Formulaid contains two fatty acids, arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), extracted from a variety of marine microalgae. ARA and DHA are the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acids found in breast milk, and they are the most important fatty acids used in the development of brain gray matter. They are especially desirable for use in infant formulas because they come from nonmeat sources and can be advertised as vegetarian additives to the product. 

It is well established that dietary (n-6) and (n-3) LCP modulate Thl and Th2 immune cell responses generation in the adult (Calder and Grimble, 2002). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) constitute a relatively small fraction of the total fatty acids in human breast milk, but have recently been suggested to participate in immime development... 

Smuts, C. M., H. Y. Tichelaar, M. A. Dhansay, M. Faber, J. Smith, and G. F. Kirsten. Smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy affects preterm infants docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status. Acta Paediatr 1999 88(7) 757—762. Filippini, G., M. Farinotti, G. Lovicu, P. Maisonneuve, and P. Boyle. Mothers active and passive smoking during pregnancy and risk of brain tumours in children. Int J Cancer 1994 57(6) 769-774. 

Mectianism of Action A combination of ethyl esters of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) that inhibits acyl coenzyme A l,2-diacylglycerol acyltransferase and increases peroxisomal oxidation in the liver. Therapeutic Effect Reduces the synthesis of triglycerides in the liver. 

Fish oils that contain high amounts of the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eiocosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20 5, n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22 6, n-3) have been suggested to decrease the risk of development of cardiovascular disease. Freshwater fish oil carp oil are not rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but tuna oil is rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as EPA and DHA Table (1) . 

Either native winterized or concentrated whole-body fish oils or fish liver oils have been utilized in most studies as dietary source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The physiological effects and possible health benefits of administered fish oils generally have been attributed to either EPA or DHA alone or to a synergistic effect between the two. As a result, there has been controversy over the contribution of individual fish oil constituents to particular pharmacological actions and the optimal dosages required for achieving established and/or suspected beneficial effects. The predominant marine triglyceride-derived m-3-fatty acids are all-cA-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (C20 5i3, EPA) and all-ci.v-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosa-hexaenoic acid (C22 6,3, DHA). 

Hayasaka et al. [157] reported the determination of the fatty acid distribution in mouse retina by using AgNPs in nano-PALDI-IMS. The sections were sliced to a thickness of 10 pm and sprayed with AgNPs or DHB matrix solution at 50 mg/mL in 70 % methanol/0.1%TFA. The mouse retinal sections were analyzed at a high spatial resolution with a scan pitch of 10 pm. The MS images showed the distribution of palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), arachidonic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

Another marine product undergoing development is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), developed via fermentation of a microalgae. DHA is a major component in human gray matter and is important for normal healthy development in infants. Various groups, such as the World Health Organization, have recommended DHA s inclusion in infant formulas at levels similar to those found in human milk. DHA is presently used in Belgium and Holland and is expected to gain approval in the United States. 

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