The effect of gamma-linolenic acid on plasma and membrane lipids and renal prostaglandin synthesis in older subjects.
Senescence is associated with a decreased activity of enzyme delta-6 desaturase, which converts linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid. This enzymatic defect may alter the composition of plasma and membrane lipids, and influences the biosynthesis of renal prostaglandins. Exogenous supplementation of GLA during 3 months increases the plasma level of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (p < 0.002), and to a smaller degree, the level in erythrocyte membrane lipids. This treatment was associated with a beneficial reduction of cardiovascular risk factors (arterial hypertension, total cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, HDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I) and the renal function has become stable reached. Epogam treatment also increased the biosynthesis of renal prostaglandins, especially that of prostaglandin E2, which has a vasodilatory effect on vessel walls and reduces the elevated blood pressure.


CONCLUSIONS
Dietary supplementation of essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid to old subjects has beneficial effect on their health condition. (Tab. 6, Fig. 5, Ref. 37.)
Broussais Hospital, Paris, France. bll@fmed.uniba.sk
A
A
Hornych
S
S
Oravec
F
F
Girault
B
B
Forette
D F
DF
Horrobin
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004910:Erythrocyte Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism*; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D031665:Oenothera biennis; D010938:Plant Oils; D011453:Prostaglandins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*
D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D008055:Lipids; D010938:Plant Oils; D011453:Prostaglandins; C028498:evening primrose oil; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid