1

Essential fatty acids as pharmacological agents

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are a class of fatty acids that the human body or
other animals are not capable of synthesis, hence must be ingested from
plant sources. This happens because the mammals lack enzyme- machinery
required for introduction of double bonds beyond carbon 9 and 10.

Following are the two types of EFAs that have been identified:

1. Alpha-linoleic acid: this is an omega-3 fatty acid.

2. Linoleic acid: this is an omega-6 fatty acid.

Apart from this the arachidonic acid, which is an omega-6 acid, is

considered to be conditionally essential.

The class of essential fatty acids serves a wide range of functions, as

discussed below:

1. These are modified through a series of biochemical reactions to

produce the following:

• Eicosanoids- these are implicated in inflammation and other

cellular functions.

• Endo-cannabinoids

• Lipoxins

• Resolvins

• Isofurans, neurofurans, isoprostanes etc.

2. They also form the lipid rafts that are involved in cellular signalling.

3. They have role in activation and inhibition of transcription factors,

which are linked to pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

4. EFAs have role in the cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and nervous

systems.

5. The human body needs EFAs for synthesis and repair of cell membranes.

One of the most important function EFAs is the production of prostaglandins,

which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting,
 2

fertility, conception, and play a role in immune function by regulating

inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection.

The group of Essential Fatty Acids are also needed for proper growth in
children, particularly for neural development and maturation of sensory
systems. There is strong evidence that a male child needs more importantly than
the females counterpart.

On a broader basis, polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered to be

essential for normal body functions.

Essential fatty acid deficiency and imbalance of Omega 6/3 ratio leads to
health problem such as heart attacks, cancer, insulin resistance, asthma, lupus,
schizophrenia, depression, postpartum depression, accelerated aging, stroke,
obesity, diabetes, arthritis, ADHD, and Alzheimer's disease etc.

Food sources:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from a variety of sources

including fish, nuts, and linseed.

2. Omega- 6 fatty acids can be obtained from flaxseed oil, flaxseeds,

flaxseed meal, hempseed oil, hempseeds, grape seed oil, pumpkin seeds,
pine nuts, pistachio nuts, sunflower seeds (raw), olive oil, olives, borage
oil, evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, chestnut oil, chicken,
corn, safflower, sunflower, soybean, and cottonseed oils are also sources
of linoleic acid.

Essential fatty acids have a potential role as pharmacological agents, as

discussed below:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids generally lower triglycerides.

2. Essential fatty acids can help treat radiation burn.

3. Omega 3 fatty acids are important supplements in the Attention

Deficit Disorder ADHD nutrition food action plan

4. Epidemiological evidence suggests that dietary consumption of the

long chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), commonly found in fish or fish oil,
may modify the risk for certain neuropsychiatric disorders. There is
 3

enough evidence to suggest that decreased blood levels of omega-3

fatty acids have been associated with several neuropsychiatric
conditions, including:

• Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder

• Alzheimer's disease

• Schizophrenia

• Depression

Supplementation analysis of individual or combination omega-3 fatty

acids, indicate the possibility for decreased symptoms associated with
some of these conditions.

5. Epidemiological studies have indicated a positive association between

omega-3 deficits and mood disorders.

6. There are indications that omega-3 has a prophylactic effect on

perinatal depression and has a negative effect on natural killer cell
activity and T-lymphocyte function.

7. Researchers have accumulated enough evidence to suggest selective

killing of human carcinoma cells supplemented with n-3 and n-6
polyunsaturated fatty acids.

8. Recent pre-clinical studies have suggested that various

polyunsaturated fatty acids can potentially enhance the cytotoxicity of
several antineoplastic agents and the anticancer effects of
radiotherapy. These effects are possibly mediated by incorporation of
the polyunsaturated fatty acids into cancer cell membranes, thus
altering the physical and functional properties

References:

1. Harper’s illustrated biochemistry.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids and neuropsychiatric disorders, by Young G

and Conquer J, Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, University of
Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of psychiatric disorders by
Peet M and Stokes C, Swallownest Court Hospital, Doncaster and South
Humber Healthcare NHS Trust, Sheffield, UK.
 4

4. Fatty acid facts, Part I-Essential fatty acids as treatment for

depression, or food for mood?, by Pawels EK, Volterrani D, Department
of Nuclear Medicine, University of Pisa Medical School, Pisa, Italy.
5. Differential killing of human carcinoma cells supplemented with n-
3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, J Natl Cancer institute.
6. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids: impact on cancer chemotherapy
and radiation, by Conklin KA, Department of Anesthesiology, UCLA
School of Medicine, Center for the Health Sciences, Box 951778, Los
Angeles.