The moss Physcomitrella patens contains high levels of arachidonic acid and lesser amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid. Here we report the identification and characterization of a delta5-desaturase from P. patens that is associated with the synthesis of these fatty acids. A full-length cDNA for this desaturase was identified by data base searches based on homology to sequences of known delta5-desa...

This work studied the antioxidant and anti-colorectal cancer properties of a potential strain thraustochytrids, Schizochytrium sp. (SMKK1), isolated from mangrove leaf litter. The biomass was extracted with methanol screened for activity using six different assays. extract exhibited highest total (87.37 ± 1.22%) lowest nitric oxide radical (75.12 2.22%), increased concentration extract. methano...

The relationships between n-3 and n-6 fatty acids in subcutaneous fat, BMI and overweight status were investigated in eighty-eight children from Crete and Cyprus. Overweight status, BMI and serum lipid levels were similar in children at both locations, but Cretan children had higher levels of total MUFA than Cypriot children (62.2 (sd 2.8) v. 52.2 (sd 2.8) % area, respectively, P<0.001) and con...

OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy and tolerability of borage oil, which contains a high concentration of gamma linolenic acid, in children and adults with atopic eczema. DESIGN Single centre, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, parallel group trial. SETTING Acute district general hospital in Nuneaton, England. PARTICIPANTS 151 patients, of whom 11 failed to return for assessment, ...

BACKGROUND The increased consumption of n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been shown to coincide with the increased prevalence of atopic diseases. We aimed to investigate whether maternal diet and atopic status influence the PUFA composition of breast milk and the serum lipid fatty acids of infants. METHODS Maternal diet was assessed by a food questionnaire. The PUFA composition of b...

We studied the effects of five high-fat semi-purified diets varying at a 4% (w/w) level in either stearic, oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic, or gamma-linolenic acid on body fat and energy metabolism in BALB/c mice. A diet containing caprylic, capric, lauric, and myristic acid was used as a reference diet and a diet with 4% conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was used as a positive control as it is k...

Sesamin is known as a specific inhibitor of delta 5-desaturation, the conversion from dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (20:3(n=6)) to arachidonic acid (20:4(n-6)). In the previous paper, we reported that sesamin inhibited delta 5-desaturation of n-6 fatty acids in rat hepatocytes but not that of n-3 fatty acids, from 20:4(n-3) to 20:5(n-3). Then, we studied the effects of sesamin on delta 5-desatura...