Figure 3
Origin of the differential evolution of the erythrocyte lipid composition according to gestational age in subjects with or without ROP. (A) Association between gestational age and total SFA, total MUFA, total PUFA, total n-6 PUFA, total n-3 PUFA and the total n-6 PUFA to total n-3 PUFA ratio in preterm infants with or without ROP. (B) Sequence of metabolic reactions leading to n-3 and n-6 long-chain PUFA synthesis. DHA and n-6 DPA are synthesized from ALA and LA, respectively, through metabolic reactions involving FADS2, ELOVL5,2, FADS1 and β-oxidation. (C) Association between gestational age and EPA, and the AA to DHA ratio in preterm infants with or without ROP. ROP: retinopathy of prematurity; SFA: saturated fatty acids; MUFA: monounsaturated fatty acids; PUFA: polyunsaturated fatty acids; FADS2: Fatty Acid Desaturase 2; ELOVL5,2: ELOngation of Very Long-chain fatty acid 5,2; FADS1: Fatty Acid Desaturase 1; LA: linoleic acid, AA: arachidonic acid; DPA: docosapentaenoic acid; ALA: α-linolenic acid; EPA: eicosapentaenoic acid; DHA: docosahexaenoic acid; NS: non significant; FAMEs: fatty acid methyl esters; DMAs: dimethylacetals.
