Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Inflammation (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids, inflammatory mediators, dietary ratios, and lifestyle factors affecting inflammation.

Arachidonic acid

An omega-6 fatty acid released from cell membrane phospholipids and converted into inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, leukotrienes) via lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase pathways.

Omega-6 fatty acids

A family of polyunsaturated fats that, when converted to arachidonic acid, drive strong inflammatory and clotting responses through eicosanoids.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Polyunsaturated fats that lead to weaker inflammatory signaling and promote anti-inflammatory mediators via eicosanoids.

Phospholipids

Cell membrane components that store fatty acids (including arachidonic acid) and release them to start inflammatory signaling.

Arachidonic acid metabolites

Mediators produced from arachidonic acid that propagate inflammation, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Lipoxygenase pathway

Biochemical pathway that converts arachidonic acid into leukotrienes and other inflammatory mediators.

Cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway

Pathway that converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandins and thromboxanes, contributing to inflammation and clotting.

Prostaglandins

Inflammatory and clotting mediators derived from arachidonic acid; activity varies with omega-6/omega-3 balance.

Leukotrienes

Potent inflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid via the lipoxygenase pathway; four-series leukotrienes are especially strong.

Four-series leukotrienes

A highly potent subset of leukotrienes produced from omega-6 arachidonic acid in the lipoxygenase pathway.

Eicosanoids

A broad class of signaling molecules (including prostaglandins and leukotrienes) derived from fatty acids that regulate inflammation and hemostasis.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., prednisone) that inhibit the release of fatty acids from phospholipids, thereby shutting down the inflammatory pathway.

Aspirin

A nonprescription anti-inflammatory that inhibits arachidonic acid–derived mediators, reducing inflammatory signaling.

Four-to-one omega-6 to omega-3 ratio

An evolutionary dietary balance where four parts omega-6 to one part omega-3 modulates the inflammatory response.

Western diet omega-6 to omega-3 ratio

Approximately 50:1, leading to dominant omega-6–derived inflammatory signaling.

Inuit diet omega-6 to omega-3 ratio

Around 12:1; traditional high-fat diet with more omega-3s correlates with lower heart disease despite high fat intake.

Fish oil

Source rich in omega-3 fatty acids; associated with reduced inflammation and lower disease risk.

Sleep deprivation

Lack of adequate sleep that promotes a pro-inflammatory state and can worsen inflammatory-related health risks.

Circadian rhythm

The body's internal clock governing sleep-wake cycles; disruptions are linked to increased inflammation.

Pollution

Environmental exposure (e.g., living near roads) that elevates inflammation and disease risk.

Social isolation

Lack of social connection; a significant risk factor for higher inflammation and related diseases.