OptimalHealthNutrition.com -- Enzymes for converting fatty acids

Fatty acid metabolizing enzymes

Research News: Delta-6-desaturase (D6D):
In omega-3 fatty acid metabolism, d6d converts linolenic acid to stearidonic acid. In omega-6 fatty acid metabolism, d6d converts linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid. D6D is the rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid metabolism, meaning that it is the slowest functioning enzyme in the cascade of fatty acid conversions. Recall that in biochemistry the first enzyme in a series of biochemical reactions tends to be the rate-limiting enzyme for the sake of avoiding unnecessary downstream conversions. D6D is inhibited by trans fatty acids.[1] Action of this enzyme is increased during essential fatty acid deficiency.[2] Patients with eczema and diabetes have been noted to have defects in the function of D6D.[3]
Efficient function of D6D requires iron, magnesium, zinc, pyridoxine, niacin, and riboflavin. Administration of supraphysiologic doses of enzyme cofactors can improve function of defective or mutated enzymes.[4]
The catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine inhibit D5D and D6D.[5]

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[1] Simopoulos AP. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999 Sep;70(3 Suppl):560S-569S

[2] “The delta 4 desaturase activity is increased in essential fatty acid deficiency similar to delta 6 desaturase.” Christophersen BO, Hagve TA, Christensen E, Johansen Y, Tverdal S. Eicosapentaenoic- and arachidonic acid metabolism in isolated liver cells. Scand J Clin Lab Invest Suppl. 1986;184:55-60

[3] "This concept is illustrated by atopic eczema and diabetes, which may represent inherited and acquired examples of inadequate delta-6-desaturation." Horrobin DF. Fatty acid metabolism in health and disease: the role of delta-6-desaturase. Am J Clin Nutr. 1993 May;57(5 Suppl):732S-736S

[4] Ames BN, Elson-Schwab I, Silver EA. High-dose vitamin therapy stimulates variant enzymes with decreased coenzyme binding affinity (increased K(m)): relevance to genetic disease and polymorphisms. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Apr;75(4):616-58

[5] Mamalakis G, Kafatos A, Tornaritis M, Alevizos B. Anxiety and adipose essential fatty acid precursors for prostaglandin E1 and E2. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998 Jun;17(3):239-43

Dr Vasquez's Comments: This is an excerpt from my textbook "Chiropractic and Naturopathic Mastery of Common Clinical Disorders" which is available from OptimalHealthResearch.com (website with clinical information designed for doctors) and also from OptimalHealthNutrition.com in our selection of books.

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