White adipose tissue (WAT) is a complex organ with both metabolic and endocrine functions. Dysregulation of all of these functions of WAT, together with low-grade inflammation of the tissue in obesity, contributes to the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of marine origin play an important role in resolution of inflammation and exert beneficial metabolic effects. Using LC-MS/MS method, we elucidated the structures of novel members of fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFA), which were present in murine and human serum and WAT after omega-3 PUFA supplementation in diet.
These compounds contained DHA esterified to 9- and 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HLA) termed 9-DHAHLA and 13-DHAHLA, and were synthesized in WAT. Our results document the existence of novel lipid mediators, which are involved in the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects attributed toomega-3 PUFA, in both miceandhumans.