Kawashima H, Yoshizawa K. The physiological and pathological properties of Mead acid, an endogenous multifunctional n-9 polyunsaturated fatty acid.
Lipids Health Dis 2023;
22:172. [PMID:
37838679 PMCID:
PMC10576882 DOI:
10.1186/s12944-023-01937-6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mead acid (MA, 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid) is an n-9 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and a marker of essential fatty acid deficiency, but nonetheless generally draws little attention. MA is distributed in various normal tissues and can be converted to several specific lipid mediators by lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase. Recent pathological and epidemiological studies on MA raise the possibility of its effects on inflammation, cancer, dermatitis and cystic fibrosis, suggesting it is an endogenous multifunctional PUFA. This review summarizes the biosynthesis, presence, metabolism and physiological roles of MA and its relation to various diseases, as well as the significance of MA in PUFA metabolism.
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