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PUFA
PUFA
PUFA
Introduction
Chemistry of PUFAs
Metabolism and Fate of PUFAs
Oxidation of PUFAs
Biological Effects of PUFAs
Biomedical Importance
References
Introduction
Polyunsaturated fatty acids necessary for body as components of cellular membrane
Also as precursors for synthesis of eicosanoids
PUFAs itself have role in mediating gene expression according to recent research and
studies
Dietary PUFAs significance has been increasingly noticed and extensively researched
Chemistry of PUFA
Fatty acids with two or more double bonds in cis configuration
Important two families of PUFA omega 3 & omega 6
Linoleic acid -6 & linolenic acid -3
Also known as dietary essential fatty acids (EFAs)
Chemistry of PUFAs
Double bonds in PUFAs almost never conjugated (alternating single & double bonds ,
as in CH=CHCH=CH )
Separated by a methylene group CH=CH CH2CH=CH
Nearly all naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids, double bonds are in cis configuration
More kinks in fatty acid chain
Unsaturated fatty acids form two different shapes
PUFAs Must Be Obtained From
Diet
Human can synthesize monounsaturated fatty acids
By action of 9 desaturase system
Lack enzymes system to form double bonds beyond C 9
Cannot synthesize linoleic acid (LA), 18:2( 9,12 ), or -linolenic acid (ALA), 18:3(
9,12,15 )
Starting points for the synthesis of a variety of other polyunsaturated fatty acids
Necessary for synthesis of important products in body
Sources of PUFAs
Omega 6 fatty acids vegetable oils
Omega 3 fatty acids fish oils
Metabolism of PUFA
Ultimate source of PUFAs from diet
In body, dietary essential fatty acids undergo some modification (desaturation & elongation)
Human can introduce double bonds at 4,5,6, and 9 positions by ER membrane bound
desaturase system
Once modified stored in cell membranes esterified at glycerol C2 of phosphatidylinositol
and other phospholipids
Desaturation & Elongation System
is Greatly Diminished in
Fasting state
Glucagon and epinephrine administration
Type I diabetes mellitus (lack of insulin)
Desaturation & Elongation System is Induced in
Regular exercise & physical training >>>Oxidation of PUFAs
Excess polyunsaturated fatty acids are degraded by oxidation
Modified steps included in oxidation
Odd-numbered double bonds are handled by the isomerase, and even-numbered ones by the
reductase and the isomerase
Long chain PUFAs (C20,C22) undergo peroxisomal FA oxidation
Oxidation of PUFA
Unorthodox Metabolic Route For PUFA Oxidation
PUFA derived from membrane phospholipids can undergo auto-oxidation in vivo,
generating a complex mixture of hydroperoxides, epoxides and cyclic peroxides
Epoxides of PUFA can be formed by autooxidation, by cytochrome P450 and possibly by
the oxidative burst of inflammatory cells
Epoxides of ALA are toxic
5,6-epoxide of AA is an excellent substrate of COX and thromboxane synthase, with
vascular and renal effects
attraction
and
activation
of
leukocytes,
immediate
hypersensitivity
reactionasthma
Lipoxins - anti-inflammatory role in vasoactive and immuno-regulatory function
Synthesis
of
phospholipids
containing
the
highly polyunsaturated
fatty acid
docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n 3 or DHA) is critical for normal brain development and retinal
function
DHA is the most abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in the central nervous system
DHA shown to modulate phosphatidylserine biosynthesis and neuronal signaling
Excess consumption of n-6 PUFAs affect DHA synthesis