Role of Fatty Acids in Health and Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Fatty acids are organic molecules that, depending on the number of carbon–carbon double bonds in their structure, are classified as saturated (no double bond), monounsaturated (one double bond) and polyunsaturated (two or more double bonds). Fatty acids are highly dense energy molecules, providing 9 kcal/g. Thus, sustained consumption of a high-fat diet has been associated with weight gain and obesity, and other chronic diseases. Nevertheless, dietary fat intake can produce different metabolic effects based on its fatty acid profile. In that context, fatty acids exert diverse physiological functions: they play a structural role (especially in cell membranes), regulate the development and growth of cells and tissues (e.g., the nervous system), assist in immune function, regulate the inflammatory response and act as transcription factors and ligands regulating gene expression. The excessive consumption of fats (especially saturated fatty acids) has been associated with a higher risk of developing multiple metabolic risk factors and pathologies such as obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. However, the intake of specific fatty acids, such as monounsaturated (MUFA) or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), can contribute to preventing or reducing the risk of developing different pathologies, particularly cardiovascular or neurodegenerative diseases. This Special Issue of Molecules is devoted to recent advances in fatty acids in growth and development and the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, identifying and discussing the molecular pathways that participate in these effects.

Dr. Rodrigo Valenzuela
Dr. Francisca Echeverria
Guest Editors

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