Polyunsaturated fatty acids in health and disease

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are necessary for overall health. The two PUFAs families, n-6 and n-3 fatty acid are physiologically and metabolically distinct. Proportion of PUFAs in serum and erythrocyte phospholipids is an important determinant of both health and disease, and depends on endogenous metabolism controlled by genetic polymorphisms and dietary intake. Both n-3 and n-6 PUFAs are processed to powerful promoters of eicosanoids synthesis at the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase level. Evidence from observational and intervention studies suggest that n-3 PUFAs are cardioprotective, perhaps through their anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, lipid-lowering, and antihypertensive effects. In contrast, dietary n-6 PUFAs have pro-inflammatory effect. Low n-3 and elevated n-6 PUFAs levels were found in patients with cancer on different sites. The present review will focus on the current knowledge related to PUFAs intake and status in health and disease, with reference to the Serbian population.