13Z,16Z-Docosadienoic acid is a natural ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) formed through a 2-carbon chain elongation of arachi donic acid. 13Z,16Z-Docosadienoic acid acts as an agonist of free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4, also known as GPR120) [1].
Free fatty acids act as a source of energy and also function as signaling molecules which involved in regulating energy homeostasis. The endogenous ligands for FFAR4 are ω3-FAs, such as α-LA,DHA and EPA. FFAR4 has been involved in diverse physiological process such as anti-inflammation, insulin sensitization, release of gut peptides and alternation of food preference [2].
13Z,16Z-Docosadienoic acid strongly inhibited the secretion of ghrelin by isolated mouse gastric cells [1]. Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ameliorate several human diseases such as coronary heart disease, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, diabetes, obesity and cancer [3]. This 20:2 PUFA has already been identified in fish, mammals, plants, and anaerobic fungi.
References:
[1]. X. Lu, X. Zhao, J. Feng, et al. Postprandial inhibition of gastric ghrelin secretion by long-chain fatty acid through GPR120 in isolated gastric ghrelin cells and mice. Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 303(3), G367-376 (2012).
[2]. Kimura I. Omega-3 fatty acids and FFAR4[J]. Obesity and Diabetes: Energy Regulation by Free Fatty Acid Receptors, 2016: 29.
[3]. Ma D W L, Seo J, Switzer K C, et al. n-3 PUFA and membrane microdomains: a new frontier in bioactive lipid research[J]. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 2004, 15(11): 700-706.