Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Derived Lipid Mediators and their Application in Drug Discovery

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 1670-1689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Curtis W. Pazderka ◽  
Brian Oliver ◽  
Michael Murray ◽  
Tristan Rawling

Omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play crucial and often opposing regulatory roles in health and in pathological conditions. n-3 and n-6 PUFA undergo biotransformation to parallel series of lipid mediators that are potent modulators of many cellular processes. A wide range of biological actions have been attributed to lipid mediators derived from n-6 PUFA, and these mediators have served as lead compounds in the development of numerous clinically approved drugs, including latanoprost (Xalatan: Pfizer), which is listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines. n-3 PUFA-derived mediators have received less attention, in part because early studies suggested that n-3 PUFA act simply as competitive substrates for biotransformation enzymes and decrease the formation of n-6 PUFA-derived lipid mediators. However, more recent studies suggest that n-3 PUFA-derived mediators are biologically important in their own right. It is now emerging that many n-3 PUFA-derived lipid mediators have potent and diverse activities that are distinct from their n-6 counterparts. These findings provide new opportunities for drug discovery. Herein, we review the biosynthesis of n-3 PUFA-derived lipid mediators and highlight their biological actions that may be exploited for drug development. Lastly, we provide examples of medicinal chemistry research that has utilized n-3 PUFA-derived lipid mediators as novel lead compounds in drug design.

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Abd El-Aziz ◽  
Garcia Soares ◽  
Stockand

Animal venoms are used as defense mechanisms or to immobilize and digest prey. In fact, venoms are complex mixtures of enzymatic and non-enzymatic components with specific pathophysiological functions. Peptide toxins isolated from animal venoms target mainly ion channels, membrane receptors and components of the hemostatic system with high selectivity and affinity. The present review shows an up-to-date survey on the pharmacology of snake-venom bioactive components and evaluates their therapeutic perspectives against a wide range of pathophysiological conditions. Snake venoms have also been used as medical tools for thousands of years especially in tradition Chinese medicine. Consequently, snake venoms can be considered as mini-drug libraries in which each drug is pharmacologically active. However, less than 0.01% of these toxins have been identified and characterized. For instance, Captopril® (Enalapril), Integrilin® (Eptifibatide) and Aggrastat® (Tirofiban) are drugs based on snake venoms, which have been approved by the FDA. In addition to these approved drugs, many other snake venom components are now involved in preclinical or clinical trials for a variety of therapeutic applications. These examples show that snake venoms can be a valuable source of new principle components in drug discovery.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Abeba Haile Mariamenatu ◽  
Emebet Mohammed Abdu

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contain ≥2 double-bond desaturations within the acyl chain. Omega-3 (n-3) and Omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs are the two known important families in human health and nutrition. In both Omega families, many forms of PUFAs exist: α-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from the n-3 family and linoleic acid (LA), dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA), and arachidonic acid (AA) from the n-6 family are the important PUFAs for human health. Omega-3 and Omega-6 PUFAs are competitively metabolized by the same set of desaturation, elongation, and oxygenase enzymes. The lipid mediators produced from their oxidative metabolism perform opposing (antagonistic) functions in the human body. Except for DGLA, n-6 PUFA-derived lipid mediators enhance inflammation, platelet aggregation, and vasoconstriction, while those of n-3 inhibit inflammation and platelet aggregation and enhance vasodilation. Overconsumption of n-6 PUFAs with low intake of n-3 PUFAs is highly associated with the pathogenesis of many modern diet-related chronic diseases. The volume of n-6 PUFAs is largely exceeding the volume of n-3PUFAs. The current n-6/n-3 ratio is 20-50/1. Due to higher ratios of n-6/n-3 in modern diets, larger quantities of LA- and AA-derived lipid mediators are produced, becoming the main causes of the formation of thrombus and atheroma, the allergic and inflammatory disorders, and the proliferation of cells, as well as the hyperactive endocannabinoid system. Therefore, in order to reduce all of these risks which are due to overconsumption of n-6 PUFAs, individuals are required to take both PUFAs in the highly recommended n-6/n-3 ratio which is 4-5/1.


Author(s):  
Aleksandra Kurczyńska ◽  
Kamila Ślusarczyk

Dementia is affecting growing numbers of people. Consequently, we are inclined toper ceive it as a crucial public health issue. Although cognitive impairment relates mainly to the elderly, it also significantly burdens their caretakers. However, the development of dementia is not inevitable. The cognitive functions are influenced by a wide range of factors, starting with those at the beginning of the prenatal period. The most important determinants of cognitive impairment involve genetic defects, diseases, intellectual activity, physical activity and nutrition. The role played by anti-inflammatory, low in sugar and highly-processed foods is emphasized. Particular importance is attributed to the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, proper amounts of EPA and DHA and the lowest possible trans fatty acids intake. The controversial aspects include, among others, high-fat diet and alcohol consumption. The aim of this paper is to conduct an analysis of controversial aspects and nutritional strategies related to cognitive impairment prevention, based on available scientific data.


2011 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 219-232
Author(s):  
Marcello Maggio ◽  
Andrea Artoni ◽  
Fulvio Lauretani ◽  
Carmelinda Ruggiero ◽  
Tommy Cederholm ◽  
...  

SummaryThe essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are divided into two classes, n-3 (ω-3) and n-6 (ω-6) and their dietary precursors are α-linolenic (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA), respectively. PUFAs are precursors of a wide range of metabolites, for example eicosanoids like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which play critical roles in the regulation of a variety of biological processes, including bone metabolism.A large body of evidence supports an effect of PUFA on bone metabolism which may be mediated by regulation of osteoblastogenesis and osteoclast activity, change of membrane function, decrease in inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), modulation of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and influence in NO secretion and NO synthase.Animal studies have shown that a higher dietary omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids ratio is associated with beneficial effects on bone health. Human studies conducted in elderly subjects suggest that omega-3 instead of omega-6 has a positive effect on bone metabolism. In spite of increasing evidence, studies conducted in humans do not allow us to draw a definitive conclusion on the usefulness of PUFAs in clinical practice.


2021 ◽  
Vol 854 (1) ◽  
pp. 012081
Author(s):  
Dragan Sefer ◽  
Stamen Radulovic ◽  
Dejan Peric ◽  
Matija Sefer ◽  
Lazar Makivic ◽  
...  

Abstract Literature data show that the relationship between two groups of polyunsaturated fatty acids in diet, omega 3 acids, whose basic representative is a-linolenic acid (C18: 3 n-3), and omega 6 acids, whose basic representative is linoleic acid (C18: 2 n-6), has a significant role in development of cardiovascular diseases in humans. The optimal ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids is around 4:1. In monogastric animals, the fatty acids in feed are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract largely unchanged. This means the fatty acid profile of the animal’s diet directly reflects the fatty acid profile of the tissue. The daily intake of unsaturated fatty acids can be increased by an adequate animal nutrition strategy. Flaxseed contains ten times more unsaturated (32.26%) than saturated (3.66%) fatty acids. The largest amount of unsaturated fatty acids (about 70%) is a-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a precursor of the entire omega 3 series of fatty acids, and which makes flaxseed an ideal raw material for the production of a wide range of omega 3 enriched products. In order to obtain chicken meat rich in omega 3, an experiment was organized with a specific diet for broilers at fattening. Thanks to the designed animal feed, it was possible to get products (meat, breast, drumstick, liver, subcutaneous fat) with significantly higher amounts of omega 3 fatty acids compared to the same products obtained from broilers fed with conventional mixtures, or with almost the ideal ratio between omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 01014
Author(s):  
Nadezhda Popova ◽  
Yuliya Pisklyukova ◽  
Viktoriya Orlova

The development of functional products characterized by high biological efficiency is an urgent task. The article presents the results of the development of balanced-fatty acid terrins from poultry meat. To increase the biological effectiveness of chopped products, raw materials containing omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were selected. Based on the analysis of the chemical composition of the raw material kit, the intervals for the Introduction of ingredients containing biologically effective components are calculated. Their optimum amount has been experimentally established. The resulting innovative products are characterized by a balanced composition in terms of content and ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs. In addition, the value of the indicator of biological value has increased. Developed poultry terrins can be recommended both for a wide range of consumers, and for use in diet (including low-carb diets), baby food. The developed terrines will expand the range of chopped poultry products of functional orientation.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karsten-H. Weylandt ◽  
Christoph Schmöcker ◽  
Annika I. Ostermann ◽  
Laura Kutzner ◽  
Ina Willenberg ◽  
...  

Lipoprotein apheresis reliably reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with atherosclerotic disease and therapy-refractory hypercholesterolemia or elevated lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). Besides lowering lipoproteins and triglycerides, apheresis also decreases levels of essential omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 and n-3 PUFAs) in blood plasma. In contrast, heparin-induced extracorporeal low-density lipoprotein precipitation (HELP) lipid apheresis might increase the formation of potentially pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic lipid mediators derived from n-6 and n-3 PUFAs. The study presented here analyzed lipid mediator profiles in the plasma of patients with hyperlipidemia treated by one of three different apheresis methods, either HELP, direct absorption (DA), or membrane filtration (MDF), in a direct pre- and post-apheresis comparison. Using gas chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) we were able to analyze fatty acid composition and the formation of lipid mediators called oxylipins. Our data illustrate—particularly in HELP-treated patients—significant decreases of essential omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in blood plasma but significant increases of PUFA-derived lipoxygenase-, as well as cyclooxygenase- and cytochrome P450-derived lipid mediators. Given that n-3 PUFAs in particular are presumed to be cardioprotective and n-3 PUFA-derived lipid mediators might limit inflammatory reactions, these data indicate that n-3 PUFA supplementation in the context of lipid apheresis treatment might have additional benefits through apheresis-triggered protective n-3 PUFA-derived lipid mediators.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 242-242
Author(s):  
Supal Mehta ◽  
Lara Dugas ◽  
Amy Luke

Abstract Objectives Dietary modifications can be an effective therapeutic approach to prevent and manage metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study is to explore the association between fiber intake with metabolic syndrome and between omega 3 and 6 fatty acids with metabolic syndrome in four countries spanning the epidemiological transition. The study participants eat very different diets across the countries. Methods Data were obtained from a cohort of 2000 adults, aged 25–45, enrolled in the Modeling the Epidemiologic Transition Study from US, Ghana, Jamaica and Seychelles. Dietary intake was measured using two 24hr recalls and analyzed using Nutrient Data System for Research. Participants were categorized as having metabolic syndrome if they had at least three of the following condition: high triglyceride levels (>150 mg/dL), reduced high-density lipoproteins (<40 mg/dL), elevated blood pressure (>130/85 mmHg), increased fasting blood glucose (>100 mg/dL) and a waist circumference (>89 cm for women and >103 cm for men). The association between fiber and metabolic syndrome was analyzed using quartiles of total, soluble, and insoluble fiber intake. The association between metabolic syndrome and the combined intake of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids was analyzed using quartiles of the omega 3 index, the sum of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and quartiles of the ratio of omega 6:3 fatty acids. Data were analyzed using logistic regressions adjusted for age, sex, calorie intake, alcohol intake and smoking status. Results Participants with metabolic syndrome were 1.7 times (95% CI: 1.2, 2.3) as likely to be in the lowest compared to the highest quartile of total fiber intake and 1.5 times (1.1, 2.0) as likely to in the lowest quartile of insoluble fiber intake. Participants with metabolic syndrome were 1.9 times (1.3, 2.7) as likely to be in the lowest quartile of the of EPA + DHA intake. Risk of metabolic syndrome was not significantly associated with omega 6:3 ratio. Conclusions These findings expand on prior research supporting a beneficial role for dietary fiber and omega 3 fatty acids in reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome in understudied populations consuming a wide range of diets. In aggregate, these results support an important role of diet in metabolic syndrome risk regardless of population. Funding Sources National Institute of Health. Stritch School of Medicine.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahida A. Khan ◽  
Ashraf Ali ◽  
Sarah A. Khan ◽  
Solafa A. Zahran ◽  
Ghazi Damanhouri ◽  
...  

Obesity today stands at the intersection between inflammation and metabolic disorders causing an aberration of immune activity, and resulting in increased risk for diabetes, atherosclerosis, fatty liver, and pulmonary inflammation to name a few. Increases in mortality and morbidity in obesity related inflammation have initiated studies to explore different lipid mediated molecular pathways of attempting resolution that uncover newer therapeutic opportunities of anti-inflammatory components. Majorly the thromboxanes, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, and so forth form the group of lipid mediators influencing inflammation. Of special mention are the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that regulate inflammatory mediators of interest in hepatocytes and adipocytes via the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. They also exhibit profound effects on eicosanoid production. The inflammatory cyclooxygenase pathway arising from arachidonic acid is a critical step in the progression of inflammatory responses. New oxygenated products of omega-3 metabolism, namely, resolvins and protectins, behave as endogenous mediators exhibiting powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory actions via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). In this review we attempt to discuss the complex pathways and links between obesity and inflammation particularly in relation to different lipid mediators.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1350.3-1350
Author(s):  
S. Perniola ◽  
S. Alivernini ◽  
B. Tolusso ◽  
M. R. Gigante ◽  
M. Gessi ◽  
...  

Background:The regulation of inflammation is a dynamic process involving several molecules as lipid mediators. The Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators (SPMs), such as Resolvin (RvD and RvE), Protectins, Maresins and Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), are bioactive metabolites of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which drive inflammatory resolution phase and promote tissue repair. ERV, ALX/FPR2 and BLT1 are SPM receptors. Although in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) lipid mediators role within pathophysiology is under definition, studies on SPMs receptors role are still lacking in this disease.Objectives:Purpose of this study is to define ERV, ALX/FPR2 and BLT1 expression in blood derived leukocytes and synovial cells and to correlate it to disease activity to define SPM receptors ad inflammatory resolution biomarkers in RA patients.Methods:A cohort of 52 RA patients was enrolled in the study of which 40 with active disease (DAS28= 5,35 (5,18-6,40)) and 12 in sustained remission status (DAS28= 2,1 (1,83-2,42)). Each enrolled patient underwent peripheral blood (PB) drawing and 46 of them underwent US-guided synovial tissue (ST) biopsy. FACS gating strategy was used for PB and ST processing to evaluate percentage of positive cells and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of ERV+, ALX/FPR2+and BLT1+in CD45+CD3+, CD45+CD19+for PB and ST, CD45+CD14+and neutrophils for PB only and CD45-CD90+, CD45+CD64+CD11b+macrophages (distinct in CD206+and CD206-subpopulations) for ST only. Each included ST was stained with haematoxylin/eosin and categorized by a pathologist, blinded to clinical characteristics, using the Krenn Score (KS) to assess ST inflammation degree. As control group, 11 undifferentiated peripheral inflammatory arthritis (UPIA) patients were enrolled in the study.Results:Considering the whole RA cohort, DAS28 inversely correlated with BLT1+positive cells on ST-derived CD45+(r= -0.48; p= 0.048), CD3+(r= -0.56; p= 0.019) and CD19+(r= -0.49; p= 0.042) cells, in contrast with CD90+(r= 0.50; p= 0.041) cells. Similarly, both DAS28 and KS inversely correlated with ALX/FPR2+positive cells in ST-derived CD45+(r= -0.42, p= 0.050 and r= -0,41, p= 0,046 respectively) cells. Evaluating the MFI levels of the SPM receptors along all RA stages (naïve-to-treatment, resistant-to-treatment, sustained remission) compared with UPIA control group, interestingly ST-derived CD45+cells of remission RA were depleted of ERV1 compared to naïve-to-treatment RA (p=0.04), despite comparable ST inflammation. Furthermore, highest ERV1 expression was found in ST-derived CD45+CD3+and CD45+CD19+cells in naïve-to-treatment RA compared with UPIA patients (p= 0,045 and p= 0,012 respectively). Moreover, the lowest BLT1 level was found in remission RA CD3+cells compared with UPIA and naïve-to-treatment RA patients (p= 0,008 and p= 0,023 respectively).Conclusion:SPM receptors expression seem to be tightly related to disease activity in the synovial tissue, suggesting an important involvement in the inflammatory process in RA patient.References:[1]Serhan CN. Nature, 2014.[2]Alivernini S, et al. Arthritis Res Ther 2016[3]Krenn V et al. Histopathology, 2006.Disclosure of Interests:Simone Perniola: None declared, Stefano Alivernini: None declared, Barbara Tolusso: None declared, Maria Rita Gigante: None declared, Marco Gessi: None declared, Clara Di Mario: None declared, Luca Petricca: None declared, Annunziata Capacci: None declared, Anna Laura Fedele: None declared, Gianfranco Ferraccioli: None declared, Elisa Gremese Speakers bureau: Abbvie, BMS, Celgene, Jannsen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Sandoz, UCB


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document