Most of the natural unsaturated fatty acids are cis, which needs to be converted into the trans configuration to be further oxidatively decomposed by the β-oxidase system. In living organisms, the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids requires more enzymes to participate smoothly. Due to the presence of double bonds, Docosahexaenoic acid is more oxidatively decomposed than saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids.
The oxidative energy supply of n-3 fatty acids is mainly carried out by β-oxidation in peroxisomes and mitochondria. The metabolism of Docosahexaenoic acid in rat liver cannot be β-oxidized in the mitochondria, but is oxidized by peroxisomes. Human skin epidermal cells show high activity in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and the activity of 15-epoxygenase in the skin epidermis is very high, which can convert 2-high-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) into 15- Hydroxy eicosatrienoic acid converts EPA to 15-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid and converts Docosahexaenoic acid to 15-hydroxyeicosahexaenoic acid.
When Docosahexaenoic acid is absorbed by mammals, most of it is bound to triglycerides. Docosahexaenoic acid is an important component of mammalian and fish biofilms and the main precursor of some hormones. Docosahexaenoic acid is not the main source of energy for the body, but in special cases, such as hunger, other fatty acids are used in large quantities, Docosahexaenoic Acid may be oxidatively decomposed.
Docosahexaenoic acid decomposition and metabolism
