Cardiovascular effects of n-6 fatty acids.

N-6 fatty acids comprise linoleic, dihomo-gamma-linolenic and arachidonic acid. Each of these polyunsaturated fatty acids display an individual pattern of cardiovascular effects. Moreover, the supplementation of the diet with one of these n-6 fatty acids results in a concomitant effect on the resorption, distribution and metabolism of the other n-6 fatty acids. While linoleic acid is abundant in our diet, the other n-6 fatty acids are only found in minute amounts. Accordingly, the effects with linoleic acid are less impressive, but more complex (e.g. lowering of plasma cholesterol, inhibition of renin) than with both other n-6 fatty acids. Linoleic acid, being no direct prostaglandin precursor, displays a variety of effects on the prostaglandin cascade, while dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid gives rise to 1-series prostaglandins and arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (eicosanoids) of the 2-series. The quality and quantity of prostaglandins formed, contribute essentially to the cardiovascular effects of the individual n-6 fatty acids.