Arachidonic acid

Arachidonic acid (AA, ARA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid 20:4(ω-6). It is structurally characterized by a 20-carbon chain with four cis-double bonds; the first double bond is located at the sixth carbon from the omega end.

Arachidonic_acid

Biochemistry

Arachidonic acid is a key inflammatory intermediate and can be released from membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2 in response to inflammatory or other stimuli. Once free, it may be metabolized by one of several enzymatic pathways to generate bioactive lipid mediators such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, and HETEs.

Dietary sources

Arachidonic acid is present in the diet in small amounts in meat and fish. It can also be synthesized in the body from linoleic acid, a dietary essential fatty acid.

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Health implications

Arachidonic acid has been implicated in various pathophysiological processes, including inflammation and cancer. However, it is also necessary for the proper functioning of the body, particularly in the nervous system and muscles.

See also

• Eicosanoid
• Essential fatty acid
• Polyunsaturated fat
• Omega-6 fatty acid

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