Description
γ-Linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid typically found in vegetable oils that exhibits antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-atherosclerotic properties. GLA is a precursor to prostaglandin E1 and eicosapentaenoic acid. This compound regulates insulin secretion through its natural agonist activity at peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs); it inhibits diabetes mellitus-induced albuminuria and increases in MCP-1. GLA may also have anticancer activity, as it alters generation of ROS, decreases production of TNF-α, and induces apoptosis in leukemia cells.