Figure 3.

Mechanisms of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid in anti-proliferation of diseases. DGLA-derived PGE₁ has been identified as possessing anti-inflammatory properties that differentiate it from AA-derived PGE₂. DGLA could be metabolized into the 15-lipoxygenase product, 15-HETrE, which is capable of inhibiting the synthesis of AA-derived 5-lipoxygenase metabolites and further attenuates the pro-inflammatory products from AA. All types of free radicals (superoxide anion, H2O2, hydroxyl radicals) and lipid peroxides play a role in the induction of apoptosis of tumor cells by the metabolism of DGLA. Selective COX-2 inhibitor could stop AA from converting to PGE₂ which are able to stimulate cancer cell proliferation. DGLA may be accumulated through blocking the conversion to AA mediated by selective desaturase inhibitor.