docosapentaenoic acid

Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) that serves as a metabolic intermediate between eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In research sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), DPA has been investigated for its potential therapeutic effects in substance use disorders, specifically cocaine and alcohol dependence. The rationale for its use lies in its ability to incorporate into neuronal cell membranes, thereby modulating membrane fluidity and the function of membrane-bound proteins, including neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. DPA also exerts anti-inflammatory effects by acting as a precursor to specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) and as an agonist for receptors such as GPR120 and PPARs. These actions are hypothesized to reduce neuroinflammation and stabilize dopaminergic and serotonergic signaling, which may help mitigate relapse, aggression, and depression in addicted populations.

Other names

Pro-docosapentaenoic acidall-cis-7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoic acidclupanodonic acid22:5n-3