Dihomogamma Linolenic (Genova)

What is Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA)?

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) is a fatty acid and part of the Omega-6 fatty acids family. Those fatty acids can predominatentely be found in vegetable oils, grains, most meats and dairy. 

DGLA is a strong anti-inflammatory.

What are fatty acids?

Fatty acids are the building blocks of the fat in our bodies and in the food we eat. During digestion, the body breaks down fats into fatty acids, which can then be absorbed into the blood.

When looking at the omega-6 fatty acids, practitioners often specifically look at the Arachidonic acid. A high level of the Arachidonic acid marker is an indication of a cascade of inflammation. What is often not looked at too closely is the need for arachidonic acid. Getting arachidonic acid as low might be a too simplistic strategy as arachidonic acid is needed for cell viscosity, for example. 

Fatty acids can be divided into four general categories: saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and trans fats.

Dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) is derived from the essential linolenic acid. LA is metabolized to GLA, which is rapidly elongated to DGLA. 

The inability to convert precursor fatty acids to DGLA is associated with various pathologic and physiologic conditions such as:

- aging, 
- diabetes, 
- alcoholism, 
- atopic dermatitis, 
- rheumatoid arthritis, 
- cancer, 
- and cardiovascular disease.

DGLA is a precursor to prostaglandin PGE1, which:

- inhibits platelet aggregation and inflammation, 
- produces vasodilation, 
- inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis and thrombus formation, 
- regulates immune responses 
- and reduces blood pressure. 

It is also involved in inhibiting the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds from AA. 

PGE1 can also inhibit growth and differentiation of cancer cells. Although the mechanism of DGLA in cancer has not yet been identified, the potential benefits are being studied.

DGLA-enriched oils and fermented DGLA oil supplements are being developed with excellent safety profiles and studied in a variety of clinical conditions.

Let's take a closer look at the "Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism" cascade and the omega 6 family:

Linoleic Acid 
(grains, vegetable oils) 
------------------------------------------
Enzymatic Conversion:
Delta-6 Desaturase
Vitamin and Mineral Cofactors:
B2, B3, B6, Vit C, Insulin, Zinc, Magnesium
------------------------------------------
Gamma-Linolenic Acid 
(evening primroses, borage, black currant) 
------------------------------------------
Enzymatic Conversion:
Elongase
Vitamin and Mineral Cofactors:
B3, B6, B5, Biotin, Vit C
------------------------------------------
Dihomo-g-Linolenic Acid
------------------------------------------
Delta-5 Desaturase
Vitamin and Mineral Cofactors:
B2, B3, B6, Vit C, Insulin, Zinc, Magnesium
------------------------------------------
Arachidonic Acid
------------------------------------------
References:

- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6052660/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22333072/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27470510/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21853296/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22411689/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569213/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3335257/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6232036/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25173718/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17168669/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28806965/