The conversion rate of omega-6 DGLA to AA largely determines the production of the prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE2. Omega-3 EPA prevents AA from being released from membranes, thereby skewing prostaglandin balance away from pro-inflammatory PGE2 (made from AA) toward anti-inflammatory PGE1 (made from DGLA). Moreover, the conversion (desaturation) of DGLA to AA is controlled by the enzyme delta-5-desaturase, which in turn is controlled by hormones such as insulin (up-regulation) and glucagon (down-regulation). The amount and type of carbohydrates consumed, along with some types of amino acid, can influence processes involving insulin, glucagon, and other hormones; therefore, the ratio of omega-3 versus omega-6 has wide effects on general health, and specific effects on immune function and inflammation, and mitosis (i.e., cell division). COUNT 5
QSN1 What is able to prevent AA from being released from membranes? ANS1 Omega-3 EPA QSN2 The conversion of omega-6 DGLA to AA is able to help regulate which process? ANS2 the production of the prostaglandins PGE1 and PGE2 QSN3 What kind of process is the conversion of DGLA to AA? ANS3 desaturation QSN4 What is an example of a hormone other than insulin that is able to control the enzyme delta-5-desaturase? ANS4 glucagon QSN5 What is the scientific name for cell division? ANS5 mitosis