Fatty Acids

Definition and structure Fatty acids are lipids consisting of a carboxy group and a hydrocarbon chain that is usually unbranched and may contain double bonds. The figure shows palmitic acid with 16 carbon atoms (C16): they typically exist in nature free or in the form of glycerides. Glycerides consist of a molecule of glycerol esterified … Fatty Acids

Gamma-linolenic Acid: Function & Diseases

Gamma-linolenic acid represents a triple unsaturated fatty acid that is a precursor of important hormones in the body. It is an omega-6 fatty acid. It is synthesized in the body from linoleic acid or absorbed through important vegetable oils. What is gamma-linolenic acid? Gamma-linolenic acid is an important triple unsaturated fatty acid that belongs to … Gamma-linolenic Acid: Function & Diseases

Tissue Hormones: Function & Diseases

Tissue hormones, unlike other hormones, are not produced in special glands but in close proximity to their sites of action. They perform a variety of tasks in the body. Some tissue hormones act only on the cells in which they are produced (cell hormones). What are tissue hormones? Tissue hormones are also called local hormones. … Tissue Hormones: Function & Diseases

Cyclooxygenases: Function & Diseases

Cyclooxygenases are enzymes involved in the production of prostaglandins. These, in turn, cause inflammation. What are cyclooxygenases? Cyclooxygenases (COX) are among the enzymes. They participate in arachidone metabolism. There, they catalyze the production of thromboxanes and prostaglandins. The COX enzymes are centrally involved in the regulation of inflammation. Cyclooxygenase has been known to humans since … Cyclooxygenases: Function & Diseases

Long-term Potentiation: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Long-term potentiation is the basis for neuronal plasticity and thus the remodeling of neuronal structures or circuitry in the nervous system. Without the process, neither the formation of memory nor learning experiences would be possible. Disturbances in longevity potentiation are present, for example, in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. What is long-term potentiation? Long-term potentiation … Long-term Potentiation: Function, Tasks, Role & Diseases

Docosahexaenoic Acid: Function & Diseases

Docosahexaenoic acid, like the other two omega-3 fatty acids alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), plays an important role in keeping the body healthy. However, the proper ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids should be considered when consuming the important fatty acid. What is docosahexaenoic acid? Docosahexaenoic acid – known as DHA for … Docosahexaenoic Acid: Function & Diseases

Antipyretics: Effects, Uses & Risks

Antipyretics are substances that have a fever-reducing effect or can prophylactically protect against fever. This includes substances and compounds from various classes of substances. They differ in their mode of action from other antipyretic agents, such as opiates. What are antipyretics? Antipyretics are substances that have a fever-reducing effect or can prophylactically protect against fever. … Antipyretics: Effects, Uses & Risks

Prostacyclin: Function & Diseases

Prostacyclin is a tissue hormone that belongs to the series 2 prostaglandins. The hormone is produced mainly in vascular endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells from arachidonic acid. It has a local vasodilatory effect, increases pain by sensitizing nociceptors, induces fever, and greatly inhibits platelet aggregation. What is prostacyclin? Prostacyclin, also known as prostaglandin l2 … Prostacyclin: Function & Diseases

Prostaglandins: Function & Diseases

Prostaglandins are special tissue hormones. They are also used in drugs. What are prostaglandins? Prostaglandins are local hormones from the eicosanoid class derived from arachidonic acid. They are important for the local mediation of pain. In addition, they serve as mediators of hormone action and are involved in integrative functions. The name prostaglandins is due … Prostaglandins: Function & Diseases

Arachidonic Acid: Function & Diseases

Arachidonic acid belongs to the polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is semiessential for the body. Arachidonic acid is found predominantly in animal fats. What is arachidonic acid? Arachidonic acid is a quadruply unsaturated fatty acid and belongs to the omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids serve as precursors to prostaglandins and thus play an important role … Arachidonic Acid: Function & Diseases