Differentiating the biological effects of linoleic acid from arachidonic acid in health and disease. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burns, Jessie L.; Nakamura, Manabu T.; Ma, David W.L.
• Is Part Of: Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and essential fatty acids. Volume 135(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 4
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Linoleic acid (LA) -- Arachidonic acid (AA) -- Inflammation -- Cardiovascular health -- Liver health -- Cancer; Lipids -- Periodicals; Unsaturated fatty acids -- Periodicals; Prostaglandins -- Periodicals; Leukotrienes -- Periodicals; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated -- Periodicals; Acides gras insaturés -- Périodiques; Prostaglandines -- Périodiques; Leucotriènes -- Périodiques; Lipides -- Périodiques; 612.01577
• DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0952-3278

Abstract

Highlights: Dietary fatty acids are associated with the development of many chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and several cancers. This review focuses on the combined and individual roles of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) linoleic acid and arachidonic acid as they relate to immune and inflammatory response, cardiovascular health, liver health, and cancer. This review importantly highlights gaps in our knowledge regarding the basic role of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid in health and need for further research in this area. The prevailing view that linoleic acid and arachidonic acid are proinflammatory may have been over simplified which is further complicated by their relationship with n-3 PUFA. We hope this review highlights important questions and directions for further research in the field of fatty acids. Abstract: Dietary fatty acids are associated with the development of many chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and several cancers. This review explores the literature surrounding the combined and individual roles of n-6 PUFAs linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) as they relate to immune and inflammatory response, cardiovascular health, liver health, and cancer. The evidence suggests that a pro-inflammatory view of LA and AA may be over simplified. Overall, this review highlights gaps in our understanding of the biological roles of LA, AA and their complex relationship with n-3 PUFA and the need for future studies that examine the roles of individual fatty acids, rather than groups.