13-methyltetradecanoic acid

Description

13-methyltetradecanoic acid, also known as **myristopalmitic acid**, is a branched-chain fatty acid. It's a relatively uncommon fatty acid found in various sources, including:

* **Animal fats:** Particularly in milk fat, but also found in other animal products.
* **Some plants:** Notably, in certain palm oils.

**Importance in Research:**

While it's not as widely studied as other fatty acids, 13-methyltetradecanoic acid has garnered interest in research due to its potential role in:

* **Inflammatory responses:** Some studies suggest it might have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
* **Lipid metabolism:** Its unusual structure might affect how it's processed by the body compared to other fatty acids, influencing lipid metabolism and potentially impacting cardiovascular health.
* **Antimicrobial activity:** Some research suggests it might possess antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria.
* **Biomarker potential:** Its presence in certain tissues or fluids might serve as a biomarker for specific conditions or metabolic states.

**Key Research Directions:**

Current research focuses on understanding:

* **Its biological mechanisms:** How it interacts with cellular processes and pathways.
* **Its health implications:** Potential benefits and risks associated with its presence in the diet or its metabolism.
* **Its potential applications:** Exploring its use in pharmaceuticals, supplements, or other applications.

**Limitations:**

Despite the interest, research on 13-methyltetradecanoic acid is still in its early stages. More research is needed to fully understand its properties, mechanisms, and potential applications.

**Overall, 13-methyltetradecanoic acid is a relatively uncommon fatty acid with potential implications for health and research. While more studies are needed to fully elucidate its role and significance, its unique structure and potential benefits make it a promising area of investigation.**

isopentadecanoic acid : A branched-chain saturated fatty acid comprising tetradecanoic (myristic) acid substituted at position 13 by a methyl group. [Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI), Hastings J, Owen G, Dekker A, Ennis M, Kale N, Muthukrishnan V, Turner S, Swainston N, Mendes P, Steinbeck C. (2016). ChEBI in 2016: Improved services and an expanding collection of metabolites. Nucleic Acids Res]