Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) (LC-PUFAs)

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3), and arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), are essential lipids with 20 or more carbons and multiple double bonds, primarily obtained from diet or synthesized from precursors like alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA). They serve as critical structural components of cell membranes, particularly in the brain, retina, and neural tissues, where DHA constitutes over 25% of gray matter fatty acids, modulating fluidity, receptor function, and signal transduction. LC-PUFAs also act as precursors for bioactive eicosanoids, resolvins, protectins, and other mediators that regulate inflammation, platelet aggregation, and vascular tone; omega-3 LC-PUFAs exert anti-inflammatory effects via GPR120 activation, NF-κB inhibition, and PPAR agonism, while omega-6 types like arachidonic acid promote pro-inflammatory responses. In disease contexts, omega-3 LC-PUFAs support cardiovascular health by lowering triglycerides, blood pressure, and atherosclerosis risk, and show promise in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and depression through brain maintenance. Dysregulation contributes to metabolic disorders, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation, with dietary supplementation (e.g., fish oils) used to restore balance, though they are not direct therapeutic targets like receptors or enzymes.

Other names

Long-chain PUFAsLC-PUFAn-3 LC-PUFAsomega-3 LC-PUFAsomega-6 LC-PUFAs