Human Development and Health Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine,University of Southampton,MP887 Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD,UK.
Proc Nutr Soc. 2018 Feb;77(1):52-72. doi: 10.1017/S0029665117003950. Epub 2017 Oct 17.
EPA and DHA appear to be the most important n-3 fatty acids, but roles for n-3 docosapentaenoic acid are now also emerging. Intakes of EPA and DHA are usually low, typically below those recommended. Increased intakes result in higher concentrations of EPA and DHA in blood lipids, cells and tissues. Increased content of EPA and DHA modifies the structure of cell membranes and the function of membrane proteins. EPA and DHA modulate the production of lipid mediators and through effects on cell signalling can alter the patterns of gene expression. Through these mechanisms, EPA and DHA alter cell and tissue responsiveness in a way that often results in more optimal conditions for growth, development and maintenance of health. DHA has vital roles in brain and eye development and function. EPA and DHA have a wide range of physiological roles, which are linked to certain health or clinical benefits, particularly related to CVD, cancer, inflammation and neurocognitive function. The benefits of EPA and DHA are evident throughout the life course. Future research will include better identification of the determinants of variation of responses to increased intake of EPA and DHA; more in-depth dose-response studies of the effects of EPA and DHA; clearer identification of the specific roles of EPA, docosapentaenoic acid and DHA; testing strategies to enhance delivery of n-3 fatty acids to the bloodstream; and exploration of sustainable alternatives to fish-derived very long-chain n-3 fatty acids.
EPA 和 DHA 似乎是最重要的 n-3 脂肪酸，但 n-3 二十二碳五烯酸的作用现在也正在显现。EPA 和 DHA 的摄入量通常较低，通常低于推荐量。增加摄入量会导致血液脂质、细胞和组织中 EPA 和 DHA 的浓度升高。EPA 和 DHA 的含量增加会改变细胞膜的结构和膜蛋白的功能。EPA 和 DHA 调节脂质介质的产生，通过对细胞信号转导的影响，可以改变基因表达的模式。通过这些机制，EPA 和 DHA 改变细胞和组织的反应性，通常会使生长、发育和维持健康的条件更加优化。DHA 在大脑和眼睛的发育和功能中起着至关重要的作用。EPA 和 DHA 具有广泛的生理作用，与某些健康或临床益处相关，特别是与心血管疾病、癌症、炎症和神经认知功能相关。EPA 和 DHA 的益处在整个生命过程中都很明显。未来的研究将包括更好地确定影响 EPA 和 DHA 摄入量增加的反应变化的决定因素；更深入地研究 EPA 和 DHA 对剂量反应的影响；更清楚地确定 EPA、二十二碳五烯酸和 DHA 的具体作用；测试增强 n-3 脂肪酸向血液输送的策略；探索鱼类衍生的超长链 n-3 脂肪酸的可持续替代品。
