1 Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids

See also Coronary Heart Disease Prevention. Fatty Acids Omega-3 Polyunsaturated. Iodine Physiology, Dietary Sources and Requirements. Supplementation Dietary Supplements. 

See also Carotenoids Chemistry, Sources and Physiology Epidemiology of Health Effects. Dietary Fiber Physiological Effects and Effects on Absorption. Fatty Acids Omega-3 Polyunsaturated. Microbiota of the Intestine Probiotics. Phytochemicais ... 

Interesting research assessing the influence of select nutrients on apo A-I expression has been published (reviewed in Mooradian et al.36). Among some of the nutrients associated with decreased expression of the apo A-I gene in cell culture or animal models are polyunsaturated fatty acids, trans-fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, glucose, antioxidant vitamins, and zinc deficiency. In contrast, monounsaturated fatty acids, soy proteins, alcohol, and copper deficiency are associated with increased expression of the human apo A-I gene. 

Omega-3 fatty acid A polyunsaturated fatty acid whose first double bond is located three carbons from the methyl end of the fatty acid molecule. Alpha-linolenic acid is the precursor or parent compound from which other longer-chain omega-3 PUFA are synthesized, including EPA and DHA. Sources of alpha-linolenic acid include green leafy vegetables, linseed and rapeseed oils, as well as phytoplankton, algae, and fish. Scientists may also refer to this family of fatty acids as n-3 PUFA. 

The omega fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PULA), considered as essential nutrients since mammals including humans are unable to synthesize unsaturated fatty acids with a double bond at the n-6 (cob) or the n-3 (co3) position in the cis orientation [140]. The substrate for co-6 series is linoleic acid (18 2n-6), while a-linolenic acid serves as the substrate for 18 3n-3 series. The fatty diet of humans in the Western world has changed from 1 1 ratio of co-6 to co-3 fatty acids [97] to close to a 10 1 (co 6/co 3) ratio because of the increased use of oils rich in LA [141]. 

Fatty acids that are required by the body but cannot be made in sufficient quantity from other substrates, therefore must be obtained from food and are called essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids and are the parent compounds of the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid series, respectively. Humans lack the ability to introduce double bonds in fatty acids beyond carbons 9 and 10, Two fatty acids are essential in humans, linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). They are widely distributed in plant oils. In addition, fish, flax, and hemp oils contain the longer-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). 

Huang, L. L., H. R. Coleman et al. (2008). Oral supplementation of lutein/zeaxanthin and omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in persons aged 60 years and older, with or without age-related macular degeneration. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 49(9) 3864—3869. 

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. 

Diets high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (from fish oil), most commonly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL and may elevate HDL cholesterol. 

Membrane polyunsaturation also has potential in the treatment of human disease and trials of this approach are somewhat further along than with NO. For example, highly polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids are being... 

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