Unsaturated fatty acid (UFA)

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) are long-chain carboxylic acids containing one or more double bonds, categorized primarily into monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids [2, 10]. They are fundamental components of biological systems, serving as essential structural elements of cell membranes and as critical sources of energy [1, 8]. Beyond these roles, UFAs act as potent signaling molecules and endogenous ligands for several therapeutic targets, including the G protein-coupled receptors FFAR1 (GPR40) and FFAR4 (GPR120), as well as nuclear receptors like the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) [13, 17, 19]. Through these pathways, they modulate inflammatory responses, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism [3, 24]. Clinically, specific UFAs such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are used as pharmaceutical agents to treat severe hypertriglyceridemia and reduce cardiovascular risk [14, 23]. However, their use is associated with therapeutic challenges, including potential increases in bleeding time and the risk of atrial fibrillation at high doses [12, 16].

Other names

PUFAMUFAPolyunsaturated fatty acidMonounsaturated fatty acidEssential fatty acidOmega fatty acid

Activation of free fatty acid receptors (FFAR1, FFAR4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs); competitive displacement of arachidonic acid from cell membranes to reduce pro-inflammatory eicosanoid synthesis; and inhibition of hepatic VLDL synthesis and lipogenesis [13, 15, 17, 19].