Dihomo-γ-Linolenic Acid (DGLA, 20:3), an elongation product of γ-linolenic acid (18:3), is rapidly metabolized by fatty acid desaturases to produce arachidonic acid (20:4). DGLA is metabolized through the cyclooxygenase pathway to produce 1-series prostaglandins, (PGs), including PGE1.1,2 In mice, DGLA supplementation in the diet can reduce atopic dermatitis and atherosclerosis.3,4
1
Bell, J.G., Tocher, D.R., and Sargent, J.R. Effect of supplementation with 20:3(n-3), 20:4(n-6) and 20:5(n-3) on the production of prostaglandins E and F of the 1-, 2- and 3-series in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) brain astroglial cells in primary culture. Biochim Biophys Acta 1211 335-342 (1994).
2
Levin, G., Duffin, K.L., Obukowicz, M.G., et al. Differential metabolism of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid by cyclo-oxygenase-1 and cyclo-oxygenase-2: Implications for cellular synthesis of prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2. Biochem J 365 489-496 (2002).
3
Kawashima, H., Tateishi, N., Shiraishi, A., et al. Oral administration of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid prevents development of atopic dermatitis in NC/Nga mice. Lipids 43(1) 37-43 (2007).
4
Takai, S., Jin, D., Kawashima, H., et al. Anti-atherosclerotic effects of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid in ApoE-deficient mice. J Atheroscer Thromb 16(4) 480-489 (2009).
