Synonyms: OMEGA-6
Clinical significance
Eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes) are substances made by the body from the long-chain fatty acids taken in with the diet. Eicosanoids regulate platelets, blood lipids, inflammation and the lining of the blood vessels. Not all of them have the same activity: some, the series 2 prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, derived from omega-6 fatty acids, mainly arachidonic acid (AA), promote inflammation and platelet aggregation. Those derived from omega-3 fatty acids, found mainly in fish oils (salmon, oily fish), on the other hand, have anti-aggregant, lipid-lowering (especially triglycerides) and anti-inflammatory activity; they are mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The test assesses the ratio between pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Clinical indications
Dyslipidaemia (hypertriglyceridaemia); prevention in heart disease (ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias).
Sample type
The patient must have a blood sample taken.
Preparation
You must fast for at least 8 hours; a small amount of water is allowed. You must have been standing or sitting upright for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
A value above 3 indicates a metabolic state in which supplementation with EPA and DHA may be advisable to rebalance the altered omega-6/omega-3 ratio