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Article
Paradigm Shift – Metabolic Transformation of Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids to Bioactives Exemplify the Promise of Fatty Acid Drug Discovery
Biotechnology Advances
  • Ganesh V. Halade, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Laurence M. Black, The University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Mahendra Kumar Verma, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal
Document Type
Review
Publication Date
7-1-2018
Keywords
  • Inflammation,
  • Lipid mediators,
  • Lipoxygenase,
  • Macrophages,
  • Neutrophils,
  • Omega-3 fatty acids,
  • Resolution,
  • Resolvins
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.02.014
Abstract

Fatty acid drug discovery (FADD) is defined as the identification of novel, specialized bioactive mediators that are derived from fatty acids and have precise pharmacological/therapeutic potential. A number of reports indicate that dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids and limited intake of omega-6 promotes overall health benefits. In 1929, Burr and Burr indicated the significant role of essential fatty acids for survival and functional health of many organs. In reference to specific dietary benefits of differential omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids (DHA and EPA) are transformed to monohydroxy, dihydroxy, trihydroxy, and other complex mediators during infection, injury, and exercise to resolve inflammation. The presented FADD approach describes the metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA in response to injury, infection, and exercise to govern uncontrolled inflammation. Metabolic transformation of DHA and EPA into a number of pro-resolving molecules exemplifies a novel, inexpensive approach compared to traditional, expensive drug discovery. DHA and EPA have been recommended for prevention of cardiovascular disease since 1970. Therefore, the FADD approach is relevant to cardiovascular disease and resolution of inflammation in many injury models. Future research demands identification of novel action targets, receptors for biomolecules, mechanism(s), and drug-interactions with resolvins in order to maintain homeostasis.

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Citation / Publisher Attribution

Biotechnology Advances, v. 36, issue 4, p. 935-953

This article is the post-print author version. Final version available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2018.02.014

Citation Information
Ganesh V. Halade, Laurence M. Black and Mahendra Kumar Verma. "Paradigm Shift – Metabolic Transformation of Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acids to Bioactives Exemplify the Promise of Fatty Acid Drug Discovery" Biotechnology Advances Vol. 36 Iss. 4 (2018) p. 935 - 953
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ganesh-halade/8/