Fig. 2: Schematic diagram of uptake and metabolism of main omega-3 fatty acids in the retina. | Translational Psychiatry

Fig. 2: Schematic diagram of uptake and metabolism of main omega-3 fatty acids in the retina.

From: Lipidomics of the brain, retina, and biofluids: from the biological landscape to potential clinical application in schizophrenia

Fig. 2

The sources of DHA include the conversion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) into DHA in the liver, dietary consumption, and supplements. ALA as the most common dietary omega-3 fatty acid is converted to eicosapentaenoid acid (EPA, 20C, 5 double bonds), and then to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22C, 6 double bonds) in the liver. The uptake and metabolism of DHA in the retina are schematically illustrated. The uptake of DHA occurs in the pigment epithelial cells (PECs) as well as in cone and rod retinal photoreceptor cells (PRCs), during which adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) captures DHA.

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