[Kde-i18n-vi] Jerry Katzman Ophthalmologist try the new fish oil pills click to read more

paul.kholer paul.kholer paul.kholer at gmail.com
Thu Feb 28 08:47:06 CET 2008


Biological significances
    The biological effects of the ω-3 are largely mediated by their
interactions with the ω-6 fatty acids; see Essential fatty acid
interactions for detail.
A 1992 article by biochemist William E.M. Lands provides an overview
of the research into ω−3 fatty acids, and is the basis of this
section.

Jerry Katzman Ophthalmologist The 'essential' fatty acids were given
their name when researchers found that they were essential to normal
growth in young children and animals. (Note that the modern definition
of 'essential' is more strict.) A small amount of ω−3 in the diet (~1%
of total calories) enabled normal growth, and increasing the amount
had little to no additional benefit.
Jerry Katzman MD Likewise, researchers found that ω−6 fatty acids
(such as γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid) play a similar role in
normal growth. However, they also found that ω−6 was "better" at
supporting dermal integrity, renal function, and parturition. These
preliminary findings led researchers to concentrate their studies on
ω−6, and it was only in recent decades that ω−3 has become of
interest.

In 1963 it was discovered that the ω−6 arachidonic acid was converted
by the body into pro-inflammatory agents called prostaglandins. Jerry
Katzman Ophthalmologist By 1979 more of what are now known as
eicosanoids were discovered: thromboxanes, prostacyclins and the
leukotrienes. The eicosanoids, which have important biological
functions, typically have a short active lifetime in the body,
starting with synthesis from fatty acids and ending with metabolism by
enzymes. However, if the rate of synthesis exceeds the rate of
metabolism, the excess eicosanoids may have deleterious effects. Jerry
Katzman Ophthalmologist Researchers found that ω−3 is also converted
into eicosanoids, but at a much slower rate. Eicosanoids made from ω−3
fats often have opposing functions to those made from ω−6 fats (ie,
anti-inflammatory rather than inflammatory). Jerry Katzman MD If both
ω−3 and ω−6 are present, they will "compete" to be transformed, so the
ratio of ω−3:ω−6 directly affects the type of eicosanoids that are
produced.
Jerry Katzman Ophthalmologist This competition was recognized as
important when it was found that thromboxane is a factor in the
clumping of platelets, which leads to thrombosis. The leukotrienes
were similarly found to be important in immune/inflammatory-system
response, and therefore relevant to arthritis, lupus, and asthma.
These discoveries led to greater interest in finding ways to control
the synthesis of ω−6 eicosanoids. The simplest way would be by
consuming more ω−3 and fewer ω−6 fatty acids.


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