Fatty acid
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The Role of Fatty Acids in Health and Disease
Introduction to Fatty Acids
Fatty acids are carboxylic acids that are fundamental components of fats, oils, and other lipids, excluding steroids. They typically contain an even number of carbon atoms, ranging from 12 to 20, and can be classified based on the presence and number of carbon-to-carbon double bonds. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) have no double bonds, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) have one, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have two or more2.
Nutritional Indices for Fatty Acids
Several indices have been developed to assess the nutritional and medicinal values of fatty acids. These include the PUFA/SFA ratio, the index of atherogenicity (IA), the index of thrombogenicity (IT), and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (HH). The IA and IT are particularly significant as they provide clear evidence of the implications of fatty acid composition on health. The sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is often used to evaluate the nutritional quality of marine products1.
Essential Fatty Acids and Their Health Impacts
Essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid (n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (n-3), are crucial for human health as they cannot be synthesized by the body. These fatty acids play vital roles in growth, development, and the regulation of various physiological functions. An imbalance in the intake of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids can lead to health issues. For instance, a high intake of n-6 fatty acids is associated with prothrombotic and proaggregatory states, while n-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties4 6.
Fatty Acids in Disease Prevention and Management
Fatty acids influence a wide range of diseases beyond cardiovascular health, including metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. They regulate membrane structure, intracellular signaling pathways, and gene expression, thereby affecting cell and tissue metabolism and function5. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, have been shown to slow cancer growth, enhance the effects of chemotherapy, and reduce its side effects10.
Fatty Acids and Metabolic Programming
The intake of fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation can have long-term effects on the offspring's health. Maternal fatty acid intake influences the fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids in the fetus, which can affect energy balance and increase the risk of metabolic disorders later in life. This phenomenon, known as metabolic programming, underscores the importance of balanced fatty acid intake during critical developmental periods6.
Free Fatty Acid Receptors and Their Functions
Free fatty acids (FFAs) serve as natural ligands for a group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) known as free fatty acid receptors (FFARs). These receptors play crucial roles in linking metabolism and immune responses. For example, FFAR1 and FFAR4 are activated by long-chain fatty acids, while FFAR2 and FFAR3 are activated by short-chain fatty acids produced by gut microbial fermentation. These receptors are involved in regulating inflammation and the secretion of peptide hormones, highlighting their potential as therapeutic targets for metabolic and immune disorders9.
Conclusion
Fatty acids are essential components of human nutrition and play significant roles in health and disease. Understanding the various types of fatty acids, their nutritional indices, and their biological functions can help in the prevention and management of numerous health conditions. Balanced intake of essential fatty acids, particularly during critical developmental periods, is crucial for long-term health. Additionally, the role of free fatty acid receptors in metabolism and immunity presents new opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
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Nutritional Indices for Assessing Fatty Acids: A Mini-Review
Nutritional indices like the index of atherogenicity and index of thrombogenicity are commonly used to assess dietary fat composition and nutritional quality, with EPA + DHA being particularly useful for marine animal products.
Literature Review
Highly Citedfatty acids
Fatty acids are structural components of fats, oils, and lipids, and can be classified by the presence and number of carbon double bonds.
Highly CitedThe Fatty Acids
Fatty AcidsTheir Chemistry, Properties, Production, and Uses, Part 1. Edited by K. S. Markley. Second completely revised and augmented edition. (Fats and Oils: a Series of Monographs on the Chemistry and Technology of Fats, Oils, and Related Subjects.) Pp. ix + 714. (New York: Interscience Publishers, Inc.; London: Interscience Publishers, Ltd., 1960.) 169s.
Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease.
N-3 fatty acids, found in green leafy vegetables, flaxseed, rapeseed, and walnuts, have beneficial effects in preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall health.
Highly CitedFunctional Roles of Fatty Acids and Their Effects on Human Health.
Fatty acids influence human health by regulating cell metabolism, function, and responsiveness to hormonal and other signals, with diverse effects on various diseases.
Highly CitedDo fatty acids affect fetal programming?
Imbalances in fatty acid intake during pregnancy and lactation may lead to permanent changes in appetite control, neuroendocrine function, and energy metabolism in the fetus, potentially affecting metabolic programming.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS AND THE SKIN
Essential fatty acids are essential to human diet, but skin cannot synthesize them independently.
Highly CitedFatty acid metabolism: target for metabolic syndrome This work is supported by grants from the National Institute of Health (GM-63115), the Hefni Technical Training Foundation, and the Medallion Foundation. Published, JLR Papers in Press, December 1, 2008.
Fatty acid metabolism, involving ACC1 and ACC2, is a potential target for regulating obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular complications.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedFree Fatty Acid Receptors in Health and Disease.
Free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and immune responses, offering potential therapeutic targets for metabolic and immune disorders.
Highly CitedFatty Acids and Herbal Medicine
Omega-3 fatty acids can slow cancer growth, increase chemotherapy effects, and reduce side effects, making them valuable and affordable medicinal compounds.
Systematic Review