Fig. 1.

ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs and their subsequent products Omega 3& 6 PUFAs metabolic pathways in mammals leading to eicosanoid production. ALA and LA are the major precursors of eicosanoids, derived mainly from plants. Desaturation and elongation reactions mediated by specific enzymes generates AA, EPA and DHA, which are the direct precursors of prostaglandins (PGs), thromboxanes (TXAs) and leukotrienes (LTs). EPA production inhibits AA metabolism as EPA derivatives are widely known for anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects.