gamma-linolenic-acid and Virus-Diseases

Evidence is put forward to suggest that myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, may be associated with persistent viral infection. In turn, such infections are likely to impair the ability of the body to biosynthesise n-3 and n-6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids by inhibiting the delta-6 desaturation of the precursor essential fatty acids--namely, alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid. This would, in turn, impair the proper functioning of cell membranes, including cell signalling, and have an adverse effect on the biosynthesis of eicosanoids from the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. These actions might offer an explanation for some of the symptoms and signs of myalgic encephalomyelitis. A potential therapeutic avenue could be offered by bypassing the inhibition of the enzyme delta-6-desaturase by treatment with virgin cold-pressed non-raffinated evening primrose oil, which would supply gamma-linolenic acid and lipophilic pentacyclic triterpenes, and with eicosapentaenoic acid. The gamma-linolenic acid can readily be converted into dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and thence arachidonic acid, while triterpenes have important free radical scavenging, cyclo-oxygenase and neutrophil elastase inhibitory activities. Furthermore, both arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid are, at relatively low concentrations, directly virucidal.

Topics: Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Linoleic Acids; Membrane Lipids; Oenothera biennis; Phospholipids; Plant Oils; Virus Diseases

We hypothesize that a relative deficiency in gamma-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic acids and in their derivatives may contribute to the development of AIDS. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may be the source of natural endogenous agents against AIDS by preventing the spread of viral infection due to their ability to destroy enveloped viruses, by controlling cancer development either directly due to their cytostatic and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells or indirectly by modulating the immune response and by protecting from genetic damage. Supplementation of these dietary PUFAs in the prevention, and possibly in the treatment of AIDS, is considered.

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Dietary Fats; Disease Susceptibility; Eicosapentaenoic Acid; Fatty Acids, Essential; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Immunity; Linolenic Acids; Models, Biological; Neoplasms; Virus Diseases