The effects of gamma-linolenic acid on breast pain and diabetic neuropathy: possible non-eicosanoid mechanisms.
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has recently been found to be beneficial in the management of breast pain and of diabetic neuropathy. GLA is a precursor of unsaturated fatty acids which are important in membrane structures, as second messengers in their own right and as precursors of eicosanoids. While the mechanisms of GLA action are likely to be complex, non-eicosanoid effects are probably of substantial importance. These effects include modification of membrane fluidity and of the functions of lipid-associated receptors and changes in the inositol cycle.
Efamol Research Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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D001941:Breast Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D008042:Linolenic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008560:Membrane Fluidity / Q000187:drug effects; D008954:Models, Biological; D031665:Oenothera biennis; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010938:Plant Oils; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000187:drug effects; D015290:Second Messenger Systems / Q000187:drug effects; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid
D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D008042:Linolenic Acids; D010938:Plant Oils; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C028498:evening primrose oil; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid