Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6Δ4,7,10,13,16,19) is the longest chain and most unsaturated fatty acid commonly found in biological systems [1]. It represents the extreme example of the important class of fatty acids known as omega-3s. Primarily through dietary studies, this fatty acid has been linked to an enormous variety of human afflictions including cancer [2, 3], heart disease [4], rheumatoid arthritis [5], lupus [6], alcoholism [7], blindness [8], respiratory diseases [9], peroxisomal disorders [10], cystic fibrosis [11], schizophrenia [12], depression [13], malaria [14], multiple sclerosis [15] and even migrane headaches. In order for one simple molecule to affect so many seemingly unrelated processes it must function at a fundamental level, common to most cells. It has been suggested that this level is in controlling membrane structure and function [16]. Due to its extreme chain length and unsaturation it should be easier to demonstrate a unique role for DHA in membrane structure/function than it will be for other shorter, less unsaturated fatty acids commonly found in membranes. Reviewed here is the possible involvement of DHA in membrane lipid domains.
Current Organic Chemistry
Title: Docosahexaenoic Acid and Membrane Lipid Domains
Volume: 4 Issue: 11
Author(s): William Stillwell
Affiliation:
Abstract: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6Δ4,7,10,13,16,19) is the longest chain and most unsaturated fatty acid commonly found in biological systems [1]. It represents the extreme example of the important class of fatty acids known as omega-3s. Primarily through dietary studies, this fatty acid has been linked to an enormous variety of human afflictions including cancer [2, 3], heart disease [4], rheumatoid arthritis [5], lupus [6], alcoholism [7], blindness [8], respiratory diseases [9], peroxisomal disorders [10], cystic fibrosis [11], schizophrenia [12], depression [13], malaria [14], multiple sclerosis [15] and even migrane headaches. In order for one simple molecule to affect so many seemingly unrelated processes it must function at a fundamental level, common to most cells. It has been suggested that this level is in controlling membrane structure and function [16]. Due to its extreme chain length and unsaturation it should be easier to demonstrate a unique role for DHA in membrane structure/function than it will be for other shorter, less unsaturated fatty acids commonly found in membranes. Reviewed here is the possible involvement of DHA in membrane lipid domains.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Stillwell William, Docosahexaenoic Acid and Membrane Lipid Domains, Current Organic Chemistry 2000; 4 (11) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1385272003375860
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1385272003375860 |
Print ISSN 1385-2728 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5348 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances of Heterocyclic Chemistry with Pesticide Activity
Global food safety and security will continue to be a global concern for the next 50 years and beyond. Plant diseases have had a significant impact on food safety and security throughout the entire food chain, from primary production to consumption. While conventional chemical pesticides have been traditionally used for ...read more
Calculation design of covalent/metal organic framework based catalysts
This research area combines theoretical computation and screening with machine learning for the design of covalent/metal organic framework-based catalysts, bridging the disciplines of organic chemistry, physical chemistry, computational chemistry, materials science, and machine learning. It covers several critical aspects: designing and synthesizing organic catalysts for improved performance, applying computational methods ...read more
Carbohydrates conversion in biofuels and bioproducts
Biomass pretreatment, hydrolysis, and saccharification of carbohydrates, and sugars bioconversion in biofuels and bioproducts within a biorefinery framework. Carbohydrates derived from woody biomass, agricultural wastes, algae, sewage sludge, or any other lignocellulosic feedstock are included in this issue. Simulation, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis of a biorefinery process are ...read more
Catalytic C-H bond activation as a tool for functionalization of heterocycles
The major topic is the functionalization of heterocycles through catalyzed C-H bond activation. The strategies based on C-H activation not only provide straightforward formation of C-C or C-X bonds but, more importantly, allow for the avoidance of pre-functionalization of one or two of the cross-coupling partners. The beneficial impact of ...read more
Related Journals
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Oxidative Stress Induced Mitochondrial DNA Deletion as a Hallmark forthe Drug Development in the Context of the Cerebrovascular Diseases
Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery Autophagy and Mitochondria in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Current Diabetes Reviews Serum Interleukin-33 is a Predictor of Depression in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Current Neurovascular Research Trimetazidine Dihydrochloride Pulsatile–Release Tablets for the Treatment of Morning Anginal Symptoms: Dual Optimization, Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation
Current Drug Delivery Adipokines and Myokines: A Pivotal Role in Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disorders
Current Medicinal Chemistry Microparticles: From Biogenesis to Biomarkers and Diagnostic Tools in Cardiovascular Disease
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Novel Therapeutic Approaches in Limiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cardiovascular Risk: Between Lights and Shadows
Current Rheumatology Reviews Transport of Cryptotanshinone, a Major Active Triterpenoid in Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge Widely Used in the Treatment of Stroke and Alzheimers Disease, Across the Blood-Brain Barrier
Current Drug Metabolism Relaxin Receptors - New Drug Targets for Multiple Disease States
Current Drug Targets Helicobacter pylori Eradication Improves the Malnutrition, Inflammation and Atherosclerosis Syndrome in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Vascular Disease Prevention (Discontinued) Regulation of Stem Cell-Based Research in India in Comparison with the US, EU and other Asian Countries: Current Issues and Future Perspectives
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy The Association between Serum Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque in an Asymptomatic Population
Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Discontinued) Osteoporosis Entwined with Cardiovascular Disease: The Implication of Osteoprotegerin and the Example of Statins
Current Medicinal Chemistry Ghetto Poverty and Pollution in Egypt: A Deadly Threat for Western Countries Caused by New and Infectious Mutants. A Cultural, Social and Microbiological Synopsis
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) Application of Mitochondria-Targeted Pharmaceuticals for the Treatment of Heart Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Design Clinical Efficacy and Effectiveness of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Cholestatic Liver Diseases
Current Clinical Pharmacology Effects of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate on the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Postmenopausal Women Receiving Estrogen
Vascular Disease Prevention (Discontinued) Monocytes and Macrophages as Cellular Targets in Liver Fibrosis
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) Neutrophil to Lymphocyte (N/L) and Platelet to Lymphocyte (P/L) Ratios in Differentiating Acute Heart Failure from Respiratory Infection
Current Vascular Pharmacology