Gamma-linolenic acid inhibits the development of the ethanol-induced fatty liver

In the context of recent work showing numerous interactions between ethanol, essential fatty acids (EFA) and prostanoids, we have evaluated the effects of gamma-linolenic acid methyl ester (GLA 99%; 18:3, n-6), on hepatic pathology induced by ethanol in rats. Groups of animals were pair-fed an alcohol-containing liquid diet or an iso-caloric maltose-dextrin diet. Animals fed ethanol for ten days had markedly increased hepatic triglycerides and histological evidence of fatty liver. These effects were partially attenuated by administration of GLA during the period of ethanol administration.