Polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolic pathway (none)

The polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolic pathway encompasses a network of biochemical reactions responsible for the elongation, desaturation, and retroconversion of essential fatty acids, primarily omega-3 and omega-6 species[1][2]. Key enzymes—such as delta-6 desaturase (FADS2), delta-5 desaturase (FADS1), and elongases (ELOVL family)—convert plant-derived linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into biologically active long-chain PUFAs like arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)[1][2][4]. The products of these pathways modulate cell membrane structure, produce inflammatory and anti-inflammatory lipid mediators (eicosanoids), and regulate gene expression through interactions with nuclear receptors such as PPARs[4]. Dysregulation or imbalance in these metabolic pathways has implications in cardiovascular disease, inflammation, and neurological disorders[2][4]. The pathway is targeted therapeutically mainly via dietary supplementation and metabolic enzyme modulation rather than by drugs binding to a single molecular target[2][4].

Other names

PUFA metabolic pathwayOmega-3 fatty acid metabolic pathwayOmega-6 fatty acid metabolic pathwayFatty acid elongation and desaturation pathway

Enzyme substrate or inhibitor (e.g., drugs may act as substrates, inhibitors, or modulators of FADS1, FADS2, ELOVL enzymes) Supplementation providing metabolic end products (e.g., EPA, DHA act directly as bioactive metabolites) Modulation of gene expression through nuclear receptors (e.g., PPAR activation)