fig1

Figure 1. Metabolism of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are derived from linoleic acid (LA) and a-linoleic acid (ALA). Through various enzymatic reactions, LA is converted into arachidonic acid, responsible of the formation of mainly proinflammatory PG and TX. On the other hand, ALA is converted into EPA and DHA, which derive into mostly antiinflammatory PG and TX. PGE2: prostaglandin E2; PGD2: prostaglandin D2; PGF2a: prostaglandin F2a; PGI2: prostacyclin I2; PGE3: prostaglandin E3; PGI3: prostacyclin I3; TX: thromboxanes; LT: leukotrienes