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Updated: May 6, 2026

Enzymatic Synthesis of Epoxidized Metabolites of Docosahexaenoic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Arachidonic Acids
Published on: June 28, 2019
Docosahexaenoic acid, protectin synthesis: relevance against atherothrombogenesis
Michel Lagarde1, Miao Liu1, Evelyne Véricel1
1Université de Lyon, UMR 1060 Inserm (CarMeN), INSA-Lyon, IMBL, Villeurbanne, France.
Abstract:
DHA is an abundant nutrient from marine lipids: its specific biological effects have been investigated in human volunteers, taking into consideration the dose effects. We report herein that, at dosages below 1 g/d, DHA proved to be effective in lowering blood platelet function and exhibited an 'antioxidant' effect. However, this was no longer the case following 1.6 g/d, showing then a U-shape response. The antioxidant effect has been observed in platelets as well as LDL, of which the redox status is assumed to be crucial in their relationship with atherosclerosis. Second, the oxygenated products of DHA, especially protectins produced by lipoxygenases, have been considered for their potential to affect blood platelets and leucocytes. It is concluded that DHA is an interesting nutrient to reduce atherothrombogenesis, possibly through complementary mechanisms involving lipoxygenase products of DHA.
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