PUFA, genotypes and risk for cardiovascular disease

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are long chain fatty acids that are characterized by the presence of more than one double bond. These include fatty acids such as omega-3-alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-6 -linoleic acid (LA) which can only be obtained from dietary sources and are therefore termed essential fatty acids. They contain the building blocks for dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid in the omega-6 family as well as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the omega-3 family. Both ALA and LA are important constituents of animal and plant cell membranes and are important components of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory hormones and therefore, often modulate cellular immunity under chronic inflammatory states. The variation in physiological PUFA levels is under significant genetic influence, the fatty acid desaturase (FADS) genes being key regulators of PUFA metabolism. These genetic variants have been shown to alter fatty acid metabolism and influence the onset and progression of various metabolic conditions. This detailed review discusses the role of PUFAs, diet and genotypes in risk for cardiovascular diseases.