A review of the biologic and pharmacologic role of docosapentaenoic acid n-3

Abstract

Fish oil contains a complex mixture of omega-3 fatty acids, of which eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the three predominant forms. There has been a plethora of previous research on the effects and associations of fish oil supplementation with various clinical manifestations. While the majority of this work was focused on EPA and DHA as the active compounds, emerging research has begun to elucidate the specific role that DPA plays in these physiological processes and its differences with the other omega-3 fatty acids. The purpose of this review is to focus on the new studies undertaken with DPA. This review summarizes the biochemical mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of DPA before focusing on its effects in cardiovascular disease, immune function, and psychiatric and cognitive health. The limited studies point toward a positive role that DPA supplementation can play in these processes and that is separate and distinct from traditional supplementation with DHA and EPA.

The Short Overview on the Relevance of Fatty Acids for Human Cardiovascular Disorders

“…Further research on human whole blood has confirmed these data [122,123]. The absence of EPA, DPA, or DHA in the circulation may be an independent predictor and risk marker of CVD [124].…”

Association of plasma fatty acid composition with plasma irisin levels in normal weight and overweight/obese children

“…This suggests that plasma irisin is directly associated not only with increased D6D activity but also with increased activity of elongation and desaturation steps following desaturation of linoleic acid to α‐linolenic acid. The results of previous studies suggest that docosapentaenoic acid can have additional health benefits in conjunction with other n‐3 FA , although one study found that a higher proportion of docosapentaenoic acid in plasma PL was associated with a higher cardiovascular risk profile in adults .…”

Systematic Review on N-3 and N-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Intake in European Countries in Light of the Current Recommendations - Focus on Specific Population Groups

“…While studies in infants have suggested the role of ARA in combination with DHA on physical growth and cognitive development [47,48,49,50], more recent data indicate that ARA and its derivatives may also play key roles in cardiovascular, inflammatory and immune functions, which have not yet been adequately investigated [34]. Similarly, the potential role of DPA in cardiovascular disease, immune function and psychiatric and cognitive health needs further investigation [51]. …”