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Review
. 2021 Jun 1;12(3):980-994.
doi: 10.1093/advances/nmaa142.

Diet Regulation of Long-Chain PUFA Synthesis: Role of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Polyphenols on Δ-5/Δ-6 Desaturases and Elongases 2/5

Melissa Gonzalez-Soto  1 , David M Mutch  1
Affiliations
Review

Diet Regulation of Long-Chain PUFA Synthesis: Role of Macronutrients, Micronutrients, and Polyphenols on Δ-5/Δ-6 Desaturases and Elongases 2/5

Melissa Gonzalez-Soto et al. Adv Nutr. .

Abstract

Deficiencies in the n-3 (ω-3) long-chain PUFAs (LC-PUFAs) EPA and DHA are associated with increased risk for the development of numerous diseases. Although n-3 LC-PUFAs can be obtained by consuming marine products, they are also synthesized endogenously through a biochemical pathway regulated by the Δ-5/Δ-6 desaturase and elongase 2/5 enzymes. This narrative review collates evidence from the past 40 y demonstrating that mRNA expression and activity of desaturase and elongase enzymes are influenced by numerous dietary components, including macronutrients, micronutrients, and polyphenols. Specifically, we highlight that both the quantity and the composition of dietary fats, carbohydrates, and proteins can differentially regulate desaturase pathway activity. Furthermore, desaturase and elongase mRNA levels and enzyme activities are also influenced by micronutrients (folate, vitamin B-12, vitamin A), trace minerals (iron, zinc), and polyphenols (resveratrol, isoflavones). Understanding how these various dietary components influence LC-PUFA synthesis will help further advance our understanding of how dietary patterns, ranging from caloric excesses to micronutrient deficiencies, influence disease risks.

Keywords: fatty acid desaturase 1; fatty acid desaturase 2; fatty acid elongase 2; fatty acid elongase 5; Δ-5 desaturase; Δ-6 desaturase.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
The LC-PUFA synthesis pathway. LC, long chain.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Summary of potential mechanisms by which various dietary components regulate LC-PUFA synthesis. Arrows represent activation, while flat lines indicate inhibition. For simplicity, only n–6-PUFA desaturation is shown. AA, arachidonic acid; ALA, α-linolenic acid; ChREBP, carbohydrate response element binding protein; D5D, Δ-5 desaturase; D6D, Δ-6 desaturase; ELOVL2, fatty acid elongase 2; ELOVL5, fatty acid elongase 5; Fads, fatty acid desaturase; LA, linoleic acid; LC, long chain; PPARα, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor α; RXR, retinoid X receptor; SREBP, sterol regulatory element binding protein. Created with BioRender.com.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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