page_title: Gamma-Linolenic acid
section_title: Source of eicosanoids
hierarchical_section_title: Gamma-Linolenic acid / Source of eicosanoids
caption_attribution_description: Deze foto toont de bloem van de Middelste teunisbloem. Ik nam de foto op 5 juli 2005 bij Hardenberg. This photo shows the flower of oenothera biennis. I took this pic on July 5, 2005, near hardenberg, Netherlands
context_page_description: gamma-Linolenic acid or GLA, is a fatty acid found primarily in vegetable oils. When acting on GLA, arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase produces no leukotrienes and the conversion by the enzyme of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes is inhibited.
context_section_description: From GLA, the body forms dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA). This is one of the body's three sources of eicosanoids (along with AA and EPA.) DGLA is the precursor of the prostaglandin PGH₁, which in turn forms PGE₁ and the thromboxane TXA₁. Both PGE1₁ and TXA₁ are anti-inflammatory; thromboxane TXA₁, unlike its series-2 variant, induces vasodilation, and inhibits platelet consequently, TXA₁ modulates (reduces) the pro-inflammatory properties of the thromboxane TXA₂. PGE₁ has a role in regulation of immune system function and is used as the medicine alprostadil.
  Unlike AA and EPA, DGLA cannot yield leukotrienes.  However, it can inhibit the formation of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes from AA.
  Although GLA is an n−6 fatty acid, a type of acid that is, in general, pro-inflammatory, it has anti-inflammatory properties. (See discussion at Essential fatty acid interactions: The paradox of dietary GLA.)
caption: The seed oil of Oenothera biennis (evening primrose) is a source of GLA
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