Polyunsaturated fatty acids metabolism

Polyunsaturated fatty acids metabolism refers to the complex network of enzymatic reactions responsible for converting dietary polyunsaturated fats—primarily omega‑3 and omega‑6 series—into bioactive lipid mediators. Key steps involve desaturation and elongation by enzymes such as fatty acid desaturases and elongases. The resulting long-chain PUFAs like arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are further metabolized by cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450 oxidase into prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, resolvins, protectins, among others. These metabolites play crucial roles in regulating inflammation—AA-derived products tend to be pro-inflammatory while EPA/DHA-derived products are generally anti-inflammatory—as well as maintaining cell membrane fluidity and modulating cardiovascular health. Genetic variation in key metabolic enzymes such as FADS1/FADS2 can influence PUFA profiles in tissues and impact susceptibility to various diseases including cardiovascular disease,[1][2][3][4] neurodegeneration,[4] diabetes,[4] and inflammatory conditions.[2] Note on correctness: "Polyunsaturated fatty acids metabolism" is not itself a molecular target but rather describes an entire biochemical pathway involving multiple molecules/enzymes. For structured data purposes focused on drug targets or receptors/enzymes/proteins specifically targeted by therapeutics or diagnostics interventions—and not broad pathways—the entry is considered incorrect/is_incorrect:true.

Other names

PUFA metabolismpolyunsaturated fatty acid metabolic pathwayomega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid metabolism