In vivo conversion of linoleic acid to arachidonic acid in human adults.
Human adults are shown to be capable of conversion of linoleic acid (LA, 18:2 n-6) to arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4 n-6) in vivo. It is confirmed that they can also convert alpha-linolenic acid (LNA, 18:3 n-3) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3) and to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) in vivo. The time course and the maximal response for these processes during the first week after a single dose of the 18-carbon precursor is described. A stable-isotope method in which the protons of the C17 and C18 carbons are substituted with deuterium atoms is used in order to provide for a safe method for the study of human metabolism. High sensitivity and selectivity of detection is assured with negative ion, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. It is clear that human adults on an ad lib diet carry out EFA metabolism in vivo.
Salem
N
N
Laboratory of Membrane Biochemistry & Biophysics, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, USA. nsalem@niaaa.nih.gov
Pawlosky
R
R
Wegher
B
B
Hibbeln
J
J
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D016718:Arachidonic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D019787:Linoleic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D013997:Time Factors
D004041:Dietary Fats; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D019787:Linoleic Acid