Omega-3 fatty acids metabohsm

Arachidonic acid (AA or 20 4n-6) A 20-carbon, four double-bond fatty acid of the omega-6 family. This long-chain polyunsaturate is produced in animals through the metabohsm of linoleic acid. It is considered an essential fatty acid, as it can support the physiological functions associated with EFAs when substituted for hnoleic acid. 

Dihomo-gamma linolenic acid (DGLA or 20 3n-6) A 22-carbon, six double-bond fatty acid of the omega-3 family produced in animals via metabohsm of alpha-linolenic acid. DHA is a major component of neural membranes and may be an esscnlial fatty acid during infancy when the newborn s capacity to convert LNA appears limited. DHA is found in hsh and fish oils. 

Table 10.9 and Table 10.10 summarize the effects of various PUFA on gene expression. In the case of enzymes involved in carbohydrate and lipid metabohsm, both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty aeids appear to suppress the genes that eneode for several enzymes (Table 10.9), whereas saturated, trans-, and monounsaturated fatty acids fail to suppress. DHA appears more potent in its effect than other PUFA. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty adds induce acyl-CoA oxidase, the enzyme involved in beta-oxidation, but here again, DHA appears to be more potent. 

Arnold, C., A. Konkel et al. 2010. Cytochrome P450-dependent metabohsm of omega-6 and omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. 62(3) 536-547. 

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