Homo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid Unit Converter

Homo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in cell membranes throughout the body. It is an intermediate in the metabolic pathway that converts dietary linoleic acid into arachidonic acid.

DGLA is best known as a precursor to anti-inflammatory compounds, including prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and 15-HETrE. These metabolites counterbalance the pro-inflammatory effects of arachidonic acid, making the ratio between DGLA and arachidonic acid clinically significant.

Only a small fraction of DGLA is converted onward to arachidonic acid due to limited delta-5 desaturase activity, so it tends to accumulate in tissues. Blood levels reflect both dietary intake of omega-6 fats and the efficiency of the enzymes that produce it.

DGLA is synthesized primarily in the liver from dietary linoleic acid through a two-step enzymatic process: delta-6 desaturase converts linoleic acid to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is then elongated to DGLA by the ELOVL5 enzyme. Small amounts are also present in organ meats and human breast milk.