13,16-docosadienoic acid

Description

## 13,16-Docosadienoic acid (DD)

13,16-Docosadienoic acid (DD) is a **long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)** with two double bonds located at the 13th and 16th carbon positions. It has a 22-carbon chain, making it a **docosanoic acid** derivative.

**Importance in Research:**

DD is a **relatively new research topic**, and its potential functions are still being explored. However, preliminary findings suggest several areas of significance:

* **Cancer:** DD has shown **anti-cancer properties** in various studies. It has been observed to:
* Inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in cancer cells
* Suppress tumor growth and metastasis
* Enhance the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs
* **Inflammation:** DD exhibits **anti-inflammatory effects** by:
* Suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines
* Reducing the activation of inflammatory pathways
* Promoting the resolution of inflammation
* **Neuroprotection:** DD has shown **neuroprotective potential** by:
* Protecting neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress
* Reducing neuronal apoptosis
* Enhancing cognitive function
* **Cardiovascular health:** Some studies suggest that DD may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health by:
* Reducing blood pressure
* Improving lipid profiles
* Reducing the risk of atherosclerosis

**Sources and Availability:**

DD is naturally present in **small amounts** in various sources like:

* **Fish oil:** Certain types of fish oil, particularly from deep-sea fish, contain DD.
* **Plant oils:** Some plant oils, like flaxseed oil, contain small amounts of DD.

However, the availability of DD is limited, and it is **not commercially available** in high quantities.

**Current Research:**

Ongoing research focuses on:

* **Exploring the mechanisms underlying the biological effects of DD.**
* **Developing efficient methods for producing and extracting DD.**
* **Investigating the potential therapeutic applications of DD in various diseases.**

**Future Prospects:**

DD holds **promise as a potential therapeutic agent** for a range of conditions, including cancer, inflammation, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Further research is necessary to fully understand its mechanisms of action and safety profile before it can be used clinically.

**Note:** The research on 13,16-docosadienoic acid is still ongoing and there is limited clinical evidence to support its potential therapeutic benefits.

13,16-docosadienoic acid: RN refers to (Z,Z)-isomer [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]