Fatty Acid Profile and Desaturase Activity in Obesity: Roles, Mechanisms, and Clinical Relevance

Obesity is a complex metabolic disease associated with several health complications, including insulin resistance, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Growing evidence indicates that fatty acid profiles and the activity of desaturating enzymes-stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), delta-5 desaturase (D5D), and delta-6 desaturase (D6D)-are important factors in the pathophysiology of obesity. This review aims to summarise the current understanding of the alterations in lipid metabolism and desaturase activity in obesity, its complications, and potential therapeutic interventions.

A literature review was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical studies, cross-sectional studies, and animal studies that assessed fatty acid profiles and desaturase activity in the context of obesity were included.

Obesity is associated with significant changes in the profiles of saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), as well as altered desaturase activity. Increased activity of SCD1 and D6D and decreased activity of D5D are observed even in childhood and correlate with metabolic risk markers. Genetic variation in genes encoding fatty acid desaturases, such as fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), and SCD1, influences lipid metabolism and susceptibility to metabolic disorders. Nutritional interventions, supplementation (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine, and crocin), physical activity, and bariatric surgery positively influence the fatty acid profile and enzymatic activity, modifying the risk of obesity-related diseases.

Fatty acid profile and desaturase activity are significantly altered in obesity and represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for its treatment and the prevention of related complications. Their assessment may contribute to a more personalised approach to treating obesity and associated metabolic diseases.