University:
Liberty University
Course:
BIOM 500 | Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
Academic year:

2024
Views:

317

Pages:

5
Author:

Sheha A.

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids Unsaturated fatty acids containing only one double bond are called monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Examples: Palmitoleic acid, oleic acid These are present in olive oil and canola oil. Clinical significance: MUFA's reduce the LDL cholesterol and also increase the HDL cholesterol level. High MUFA help to lower the blood pressure and risk of heart diseases compared to high carbohydrate diet. A diet with moderate high amount of MUFA can also help in weight loss. MUFA diets can also improve the insulin sensitivity in both diabetic and normal individuals. High MUFA-diet reduce the expression of inflammatory genes in fat tissue. MUFA diet may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Unsaturated fatty acids containing more than one double bond are known as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Examples of polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic acid Linolenic acid Arachidonic acid Main sources of these fatty acids: Fish, fish oil, and vegetable oils such as flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil. Biological significance of PUFA: Essential components of the human diet for growth and normal health. Help to lower blood cholesterol levels. Important constituents of cell membranes and cell organelles (mitochondria). Involved in the transport and metabolism of cholesterol. Deficiency: Growth retardation, loss of hair, dermatitis, and poor wound healing. Essential fatty acids: Fatty acids that are not synthesized in the body and should be supplied through the diet are called essential fatty acids. These contain more than one double bond. Examples of polyunsaturated fatty acids: Linoleic acid Linolenic acid Arachidonic acid All essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) These fatty acids are not synthesized in the human body because of lack of the desaturase enzyme which introduces double bonds beyond 9th and 10th carbon atom. Function: Essential fatty acids serve as precursors of eicosanoids (prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes, leukotrienes, lipoxins). Eicosanoids are local hormones. They are also required for the synthesis of phospholipids (required for the formation of lipoproteins). Thus, help in lipid transport and function of cell membranes. They lower the serum cholesterol level and have anti-atherogenic effect. They promote fat mobilization from liver, thus prevent fatty liver. It is also required for the normal reproductive function. PUFAs are important constituents of lipids of gonads. They are also required for the normal epidermal growth.