Pentadecanoic acid
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Pentadecanoic Acid: An Emerging Essential Fatty Acid
Introduction to Pentadecanoic Acid
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is an odd-chain saturated fatty acid found in dairy products and certain meats. Recent research has highlighted its potential as an essential nutrient with various health benefits, including metabolic, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cardiometabolic and Longevity Benefits
Cardiometabolic Health
Pentadecanoic acid has been shown to support cardiometabolic health by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), both of which are crucial for metabolic regulation and longevity2. Studies have demonstrated that higher concentrations of pentadecanoic acid in human plasma are inversely associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease4. This suggests that pentadecanoic acid may play a role in improving mitochondrial energy metabolism and overall metabolic health.
Longevity-Enhancing Properties
Pentadecanoic acid shares several clinically relevant activities with leading longevity-enhancing compounds such as rapamycin, metformin, and acarbose. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer activities, which are essential for promoting longevity and healthspan2. These activities are supported by its ability to target core components of the human longevity pathway, making it a promising candidate for enhancing lifespan and reducing age-related diseases.
Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Anti-Cancer Properties
Pentadecanoic acid has demonstrated significant anti-cancer effects, particularly in breast cancer cells. It selectively induces cytotoxicity in cancer stem-like cells, reduces their stemness, and suppresses their migratory and invasive abilities. This is achieved through the inhibition of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, induction of cell cycle arrest, and promotion of caspase-dependent apoptosis3. Additionally, pentadecanoic acid mimics the activities of common anti-cancer therapeutics such as gemcitabine and paclitaxel at higher concentrations1.
Anti-Inflammatory Activities
Pentadecanoic acid exhibits broad anti-inflammatory properties across various human cell systems. It reduces the levels of multiple inflammatory biomarkers, including MCP-1, TNFα, IL-10, and IL-17A/F2. These anti-inflammatory effects are more extensive and safer compared to those of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a leading omega-3 fatty acid1.
Potential as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Agent
Biomarker for Dairy Fat Intake
Pentadecanoic acid is a reliable biomarker for dairy fat intake. Its presence in serum lipids correlates positively with the consumption of milk products, making it a useful indicator for dietary intake of dairy fats8. This relationship also highlights the potential health benefits of dairy fat consumption, which is inversely associated with several cardiovascular risk factors.
Therapeutic Applications
Pentadecanoic acid has shown promise as a therapeutic agent in various disease models. It has properties similar to those of bupropion, an antidepressant, and antimicrobials like climabazole and clarithromycin1. Additionally, it has been explored as a radiotracer for evaluating fatty acid metabolism in the myocardium, demonstrating high uptake and stability in heart tissues5 9 10.
Conclusion
Pentadecanoic acid is emerging as an essential fatty acid with a wide range of health benefits. Its cardiometabolic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic agent, make it a valuable nutrient for promoting long-term health and longevity. Further research is warranted to fully understand its mechanisms and optimize its use in clinical settings.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Broader and safer clinically-relevant activities of pentadecanoic acid compared to omega-3: Evaluation of an emerging essential fatty acid across twelve primary human cell-based disease systems
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) has broader and safer clinically-relevant activities than omega-3 fatty acid EPA, paralleling common therapeutics for mood disorders, microbial infections, and cancer.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalPentadecanoic Acid (C15:0), an Essential Fatty Acid, Shares Clinically Relevant Cell-Based Activities with Leading Longevity-Enhancing Compounds
Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) shares clinically relevant cell-based activities with leading longevity-enhancing compounds acarbose, metformin, and rapamycin, potentially improving cardiometabolic, immune, and liver health.
In Vitro StudyPentadecanoic Acid, an Odd-Chain Fatty Acid, Suppresses the Stemness of MCF-7/SC Human Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells through JAK2/STAT3 Signaling
Pentadecanoic acid reduces breast cancer stem cell stemness and migratory and invasive ability, suggesting its potential as a novel JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor during breast cancer treatments.
In Vitro Study
Very Rigorous JournalPentadecanoic and Heptadecanoic Acids: Multifaceted Odd-Chain Fatty Acids.
Pentadecanoic and heptadecanoic acids may play a role in metabolic regulation and mitochondrial energy metabolism, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly Cited99mTc(CO)3-15-[N-(Acetyloxy)-2-picolylamino]pentadecanoic acid: a potential radiotracer for evaluation of fatty acid metabolism.
99mTc(CO)3-15-[N-(Acetyloxy)-2-picolylamino]pentadecanoic acid (1a) is a promising radiotracer for evaluating fatty acid metabolism in the heart, with rapid accumulation and rapid clearance.
In Vitro StudyFatty acids polymorphism and solid-state miscibility: Pentadecanoic acid–hexadecanoic acid binary system
The pentadecanoic acid-hexadecanoic acid binary system exhibits reduced solid-state miscibility, with three stable solid forms created by mixing, indicating reduced polymorphism and reduced solid-state miscibility.
Pentadecanoic acid against Candida albicans-Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm: towards the development of an anti-biofilm coating to prevent polymicrobial infections.
Pentadecanoic acid effectively prevents and destabilizes mixed Candida albicans-Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilm, offering a potential anti-biofilm coating for preventing polymicrobial infections.
Pentadecanoic acid in serum as a marker for intake of milk fat: relations between intake of milk fat and metabolic risk factors.
Pentadecanoic acid in serum can be used as a marker for intake of milk fat, but the relationship between milk intake and certain cardiovascular risk factors remains unclear.
Observational StudyHighly Cited15-(p[75Br]bromophenyl)pentadecanoic acid: pharmacokinetics and potential as heart agent.
BPPA shows fast and efficient heart muscle uptake, but its elimination is delayed, making it suitable for positron emission tomography of the heart.
In Vitro StudySynthesis and evaluation of 15-(4-(2-[¹⁸F]Fluoroethoxy)phenyl)pentadecanoic acid: a potential PET tracer for studying myocardial fatty acid metabolism.
[18F]7 shows potential as a useful clinical PET tracer for assessing abnormal myocardial fatty acid metabolism, with high uptake in the heart and excellent images compared to other organs.
Non-RCT
Animal Study