dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) is a 20-carbon omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid with three cis double bonds located at positions 8, 11, and 14. It is an elongation product of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and serves as a precursor to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, particularly prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). DGLA has several important biological functions. When absorbed and converted to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, it produces lipid mediators with predominantly anti-inflammatory properties. These include prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and 15-HETrE, which suppress inflammation, promote vasodilation, lower blood pressure, inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation, inhibit platelet aggregation, and exhibit anti-neoplastic activities[3]. One of DGLA's key mechanisms is competing with arachidonic acid for cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase enzymes, thereby inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid[3][5]. This competition helps reduce inflammatory responses in the body. DGLA has been studied for various potential therapeutic applications, including: 1. Diabetic neuropathy - Taking gamma linolenic acid (a precursor to DGLA) by mouth for 6-12 months appears to reduce symptoms and prevent nerve damage in people with nerve pain due to diabetes[2]. 2. Atopic dermatitis - DGLA supplementation has shown promise in preventing the development of atopic dermatitis in animal models, with discontinuation resulting in the onset of dermatitis[4]. 3. Anti-atherosclerotic effects - DGLA may have anti-atherosclerotic effects via PGE1 formation[4]. 4. Antithrombotic effects - By competing with arachidonic acid, DGLA promotes the formation of metabolites like PGE1 that produce antithrombotic effects[4][5].

Brand names

Diroleuton

Other names

dihomogammalinolenic acidDGLA8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acidall-cis-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid(8Z,11Z,14Z)-icosatrienoic acid(Z,Z,Z)-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid(Z,Z,Z)-8,11,14-icosatrienoatecis,cis,cis-8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid8c,11c,14c-eicosatrienoic acidall-cis-eicosa-8,11,14-trienoic acideicosa-8Z,11Z,14Z-trienoic acidhomo-gamma-linolenic aciddihomo-γ-linolenic acid