Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR
THE MODULATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN LEVELS IN MAMMALS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to both food products and
pharmaceutical compositions containing specified activated Omega 6
essential fatty acids, gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and/or dihomo
gamma linolenic acid (DGLA) combined with eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA), for the modulation of prostaglandin levels in mammals.
Certain ratios of activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids and EPA
successfully modulate the levels of beneficial prostaglandins that
can provide effective treatment for existing disease states, or
can be used as a prophylactic approach to prevent the onset of
disease states such as cardiovascular disease and immune
disorders. On the other hand, other ratios of the same fatty
acids have a deleterious effect on existing disease conditions by
increasing the levels of detrimental prostaglandins, and would be
considered counterproductive in the treatment or prevention of
disease states.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prostaglandins are a group of hormone like substances
which are known to play a significant factor in virtually all body
functions. In particular, prostaglandins play important roles in
controlling the cardiovascular and immunological systems of the
human body. Yet as important are prostaglandins for human health,
their production is totally dependent on the dietary intake of a
specialized group of fatty acids known as essential fatty acids.
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Essential fatty acids cannot be made by the human body, and must
be supplied in the diet to provide sufficient precursors from
which to synthesize prostaglandins. The primary essential fatty
acids belong to the Omega 6 family of essential fatty acids. The
complexity and dynamics of the transformation of these Omega 6
essential fatty acids into prostaglandins is shown in Figure 1.
The complexity of Omega 6 essential fatty acid
metabolism, and thus the determination of which prostaglandins are
produced, is due to the activity of various enzymes responsible
for the
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biological transformation of these essential fatty acids. DiHerences in lhe enzyme ac~ivity
con~rol the relative levels of the true prostaglandin precursors: dihomo gamma linolenic acid
(DGLA) and arachidonic acid (AA). The prostaglandins of the one series derived from DGLA are
beneficial for the cardiovascular system, stimulate the immune system, and control hormone
synthesis and release. On the other hand, the prostaglandins of the two series derived from AA
can inhibit cardiovascular function, depress the immune system, and generally have
diameterically opposed physiological functions to prostaglandins of the one series. To maintain
proper body function, both series one and two prostaglandins must be formed. Therefore, it is
the balance of DGLA to M in each body's cell that eventually determines the exact ratio of the one
and two series prostaglandins that are formed. An overabundance of either the one or two series
prostaglandins is not consistent with oplimal physiological performance. The ratio of DGLA to AA
is ultimately determined by the two primary enzymes that control the ratio of DGLA and AA in
each cell. These two enzymes are delta-6 desaturase (D6D) and delta-5 desaturase (D5D).
The enzymes D6D and D5D are the rate controlling factors which determine the amounts
of each of the prostaglandin precursors which will ultimately give rise to one series
prostaglandins or two series prostaglandins. This becomes a primary factor for the trea~ment
and possible prevention of cardiovascular disorders as the prostaglandins derived from AA
(especially thromboxane A2) are considered to be the primary cause of cardiovascular disease1,
whereas prostaglandins derived from DGLA (especially PGE1) are considered to be important in
reducing the probability of developing cardiovascular disease.Z Likewise, certain
prostaglandins derived from AA (such as PGE2 and thromboxane A2) suppress the immune
system, while prostaglandins from DGI~ (such as PGE1) stimulate the immune system.
Prostaglandins are also be formed from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). However, compared to the
powerful physiological actions of prostaglandins of the one and two series, those derived from
EPA are relatively neuter in theirphysiological actions.
Because EPA is a prevelant constituent in certain diets such as the Greenland Eskimos, and
since the Greenland Eskimos have a very low incidence of cardiovascular disease, it has been
assumed that EPA can treat or provide prophylaxis against various aspects of cardiovascular
disease. This has been disclosed in British Patent Nos. 1,604,554 and 2,033,745.Likewise, prior art has recognized the beneficial effects of GLA and/or DGLA as a
treatment for cardiovascular disease in German Patent No. 2,749,492 and even earlier prior
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art concerning GLA in British Patent No. 1,082,624.
The use of a combination of many Omega 6 fatty acids with EPA and other Omega 3 fatty
acids (i.e. docosahexanoic acid or DHA) which are not direct precursors for prostaglandin
synthesis was disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4!526,9Q2. However, this particular patent teaches
5 that the roles of EPA and another fatty acid docsahexaenoic acid (DHA) are to compete with AA for
various enzymes (i.e. cyclooxygenase) imponant in the production of prostaglandins, thereby
Ieading to the inhibition of series two prostaglandins. This art does not refer to the critical role
of EPA alone in its inhibitory action of the D5D enzyme. This prior art also makes the assertion
that all Omega 6 fatty acids such as linoleic acid, GLA, and DGLA are biologically equivalent in
n terms of producing prostaglandins of the one series, and in particular PGE1.
It has been shown that in human adipose tissue (the primary storage site of fat) the ratio
of linoleic acid to GLA to DGLA is approximately 100:2:1.3 The reason for such a radically
altered ratio of Omega 6 fatty acids is their increased biological potency beyond the enzymatic
step catalyzed by the enzyme delta-6-desaturase in the conversion of linoleic acid into GLA (see
15 Figure 1). As an example, it has been estimated that GLA was 163 times more effective in
lowering cholesterol levels in humans than an equivalent dose of linoleic acid.4 Likewise,
studies in primates have indicated that DGLA has twice the biological potency of GLA in terms of
reducing platelet aggregation which is mediated by the formation of PGE1.5 Furthermore, there
is strong evidence that with increasing age the body's ability to produce GLA from linoleic acid is
20 highly compromised therefore making the assertion of the equivalence of all Omega 6 fatty acids
even more unlikely.6 7 These results of biological potency corresponds well with the actual
levels of Omega 6 fatty acids found in humans. What this means is that to assume that all Omega
6 fatty acids have the same biological potency in terms of prostaglandin production would be to
grossly sl<ew the balance of GLA and DGLA to EPA required to optimize prostaglandin levels of the
25 one and two se~ies ,~rosta~lar.dins.
U.S. Patent No. 4,681,896 has taught that combinations of activated Omega 6 fatty acids
with combinations of Omega 3 fatty acids are useful in the treatment of atopic disorders.
Although this patent discloses ~that the presence of n-3 fatty acids in a combination will lead to
some inhibition of the conversion of DGLA to arachidonic acid by the delta-5-desaturase", the
30 patent does not disclose that certain weight combinations of activated Omega 6 fatty acids and
Omega 3 fatty acids (i.e. EPA) would be benefical, whereas other weight combinations are
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harmful to humans. Likewise, it is in not taught in the general literature that certain weight
combinations of activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids (such as GLA or DGLA) in combination
with EPA would be beneficial, whereas other weight combinations would be detrimental.
The reason why the prior art has not discovered this critical aspect of essential fatty
s metabolism is that no long term human studies have been conducted with combinations of
activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids and EPA. This is important since the conversion of DGLA
to AA in humans is relatively slow, yet proceeds continuously.8 This slow conversion of DGLA
into M can be exceptionally harmful. The studies described in this patent illustrates
deficiencies in the prior art.
SUMMARY OFTHE INVENTION
It is the object of this invention to eliminate the above discussed deficiencies in the prior
art and to improve upon the prior art.
It is also an object of this invention to demonstrate that activated Omega 6 essential fatty
acids in combination with EPA composition create superior therapeutic benefits and thus a
15 superior prophylatic composition compared to prior art in the form of pharmaceutical
formulations- or as food products.
The basis of this invention is the use of the appropriate EPA weight amount in relation to
the amount of activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids to control or modulate the rate of
transformation of DGLA into AA. Although the rate of transformation of DGLA in AA is relatively
20 slow in man compared to other animal species8, the long term benefits of supplementation with
GLA or DGLA as disclosed in prior art (Brit. Patent #1,082,624) would be highly diminished as
the increased levels of GLA or DGLA would simply eventually increase the levels of AA and thus
increase the levels of prostaglandins of the two series being formed (see Figure 1). Since the
goal of this invention is to reduce such levels of prostaglandins derived from AA, while
25 simultaneously increasing the production of prostaglandins from DGLA, the prior art
concerning supplementation with GLA and DGLA alone would be counterproductive to the present
invention.
E?A, bul not olher Cmesa 3 fàtty acids (such as DHA) will inhibit this transformation of
DGLA into AA in rats.9 This has been shown in animals experiments using fish oil which
3n contained both EPA and DHA and vegetable oil containing GLA. The GLA is readily metabolized into
DGLA. However, ~he further metabolism of DGLA and its transformation into AA was reduced.
This reduction was only correlated wi~h the amount of EPA, and there was no correlation with
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the presence of DHA. This resuIt is in accord with EPA acting
as an inhibitor of D5D, whereas DHA does not. This is not
taught in the prior art (U. S. Patent No. 4,526,902) in which
levels of DHA are considered important to that invention. The
inhibitory effect of EPA on D5D by reducing the transformation
of DGLA into AA will thereby increase the levels of precursors
of the one series prostaglandins and simuItaneously reduce the
levels of the two series of prostaglandins. In this respect, the
preferred combination of GLA and/or DGLA with EPA will have a
much more selective effect on the modulation of prostaglandin
levels than the prior art. Also, the preferred combinations of
GLA and/or DGLA with EPA when compared to commonly used pharma-
ceuticals such as aspirin, corticosteroids, and anti-inflammatory
drugs, such as ibuprofen and others, whose mode of action is to
modulate prostaglandin levels by inhibiting the formation of all
prostaglandins including the beneficial prostaglandins from the
one series. The present invention will have a more selective
benefit on the modulation of prostaglandin levels. Furthermore,
preferred combinations of GLA and/or DGLA when combined with EPA
will be more effective than disclosed in the above mentioned
prior art. In fact, those combinations outside the weight ratios
in this invention are detrimental to the health of mammals.
The present invention thus provides a composition for
use in the modulation of prostaglandin levels in mammals, which
composition comprises in combination as active ingredients: (a)
an EPA compound selected from the group consisting of
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), EPA-triglyceride, EPA-monoglyercide,
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EPA-methyl ester EPA-ethyl ester, and/or salts of EPA; (b) a
linolenic acid compound selected from the group consisting of
gamma linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo gamma linolenic acid (DGLA) and
a triglyceride, monoglyceride, methyl and ethyl esters, and/or
salts of GLA and DGLA; (c) the EPA compound and linolenic acid
compound employed in combination to provide a weight ratio of EPA
to GLA and/or DGLA of from about 2:1 to 40:1 and so as to provide
sufficient EPA to inhibit the delta-5-desaturase (D5D) enzyme
activity in the biological transformation of DGLA into arachidonic
acid (AA).
The present invention also provides a use of a
composition which comprises in combination as active ingredients:
(a) an EPA compound selected from the group consisting of
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), EPA-triglyceride, EPA-monoglyceride,
EPA-methyl ester, EPA-ethyl ester, and/or EPA-salt; (b) a
linolenic acid compound selected from the group consisting of
gamma linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo gamma linolenic acid (DGLA) and
a triglyceride, monoglyceride, methyl and ethyl esters, and salts;
and (c) the EPA compound and the linolenic acid compound employed
in combination to provide a weight ratio of EPA to GLA and/or DGLA
of from about 2:1 to 40:1 and so as to provide for sufficient EPA
to inhibit the delta-5-desaturase enzyme activity in biologically
transforming DGLA into arachidonic acid (AA), to modulate
prostaglandin levels in a mammal.
The present invention further provides a use of an
effective amount of a composition to modulate blood pressure
levels in a mammal wherein the composition comprises in
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combination as active ingredients: (a) an eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA); (b) a gamma linolenic acid (GLA); (c) a carrier adaptable
to the mammal; and (d) the EPA and GLA employed in combination in
a weight ratio of EPA to GLA of about 8:1.
The present invention also provides a use of an
effective amount of a composition to modulate pro-inflammatory
prostaglandins to treat arthritic pain in a mammal wherein the
composition comprises in combination as active ingredients: (a)
an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); (b) a gamma linolenic acid (GLA);
(c) a carrier adaptable to the mammal; and (d) the EPA and GLA
employed in combination in a weight ratio of EPA to GLA of about
4:1.
The present invention further provides a use of an
effective amount of a composition to modulate platelet aggregation
to treat or prevent cardiovascular conditions in the mammal, which
composition comprises in combination as active ingredients: (a)
an eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); (b) a gamma linolenic acid (GLA);
(c) a carrier adaptable to the mammal; and (d) the EPA and GLA
employed in combination in a weight ratio of EPA to GLA of about
8:1.
The present invention further provides a use of an
effective amount of a composition to treat Karposi's sarcoma by
the modulation of prostaglandins, which composition comprises in
combination as active ingredients: (a) an eicosapentaenoic acid
(EPA); (b) a gamma linolenic acid (GLA); (c) a carrier adaptable
to the patient; and (d) the EPA and GLA employed in combination in
a weight ratio of EPA to GLA of about 4:1.
5b
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I have found that using a composition of GLA and/or DGLA
in combination with EPA, provides substantial relief of existing
cardiovascular and immune conditions. The preferred weight ratio
of GLA and/or DGLA to EPA in the present invention is preferably
1:8. While these ratios are the preferred ratios, the ratio of
GLA and/or DGLA to EPA may vary from 1:2 to 1:40.
The preferred physical form of the GLA, DGLA and EPA
would be as triglycerides, although other acceptable forms would
include methyl or ethyl esters, monoglycerides, free fatty acids,
or the appropriate salts of free fatty acids.
The preferred route of administration for the invention
as a pharmaceutical would be orally as a capsule or tablet,
although other routes of administration such as parenteral
(intravenous, subcutaneous, and intramuscular), rectal, vaginal,
buccal, and transdermal are feasible if the invention is
formulated in such a manner to be successfully absorbed and
utilized. As an example for parenteral administration, the
preferred form would be as an emulsion with the knowledge that the
ingredients of the emulsion must be physiologically compatible.
Given the critical importance of precise ratios of GLA
and/or DGLA and EPA, as part of a mammal's dietary intake, one can
also incorporate the invention in food products such as cooking
oils, salad dressings, dairy products, emulsions, margarines,
mayonnaise, and other foods which can accommodate such fatty
acids. Furthermore, microencapsulation, using standard
technology,
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can produce a granulated version of the invention. With such granulated versions, it is also
possible to introduce the invention in an even wider variety of food products in which such
granulated powders can be incorporated.
If trigiycerides are used, then they must meet the basic technical spedfications set by the
World Health Organization in the Codex Alimentarius.10 A further requiremenl for the EPA
component is that it should be as low in cholesterol content as possible, and be free of high levels
of excessive levels or Vitamins A and D. The decreased levels of Vitamins A and D eliminate the
possibiiity of potentially toxic amounts of Vitamins A and D given with the invention. The
reasons for the low cholesterol levels are two fold. First is the need for the reduced intake of
dietary cholesterol which would be contraindicated for cardiovascular treatment and
prophylaxis. The second reason is that the the removal of cholesterol from an EPA source also
removes other contaminants commonly found in EPA sources such as PC8's. It has been shown
that traditional methods of vegetable oil refining do not remove PC8's.11 Furthermore, the use
of high temperatures and high vacuum to remove pesticides and herbicides from vegetable oils,
will cause extensive isomerization of the double bonds of EPA thereby rendering it ineffective as
an inhibitor for D5D. Therefore, if one is using triglycerides containing EPA, the preferred
final refining technique before inclusion into the invention will be the removal of PC8's without
isomerization of the double bonds. This can be accomplished through the use of molecular
distillation, supercritical fluid extraction, or other such techniques skilled to those in the art.
.DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention consists of a defined combination of essential fatty acids containing GLA
and/or DGLA with the appropriate weight amount of EPA to modulate precursor pools for
prostaglandin production in mammals. Therefore, to fully describe the invention one must
illustrate general methods of Gt A, DGLA, and EPA preparation.
GLA in the triglyceride form can be most easily extracted and refined from vegetable seed
sources using standard technology common in the edible oil industry to create an oil suitable for
human consumption as defined by international standards.1 1 Common sOUrC85 of GLA would
inc!ude borage, black currant, evening primrose seeds and oat bran. Certain microorganisms
can also be fermented ~o produce GLA in the triglyceride form which can likewise be refined to
meet international standards established for an edible oil.
GLA isolated in the triglyceride form can be chemically or biochemically transformed into
free fatty acids, salts of free fatty acids, methyl or ethyl esters, or monoglycerides which can be
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further fractionated by standard techniques into fractions with higher GLA content than found in
the starting oils. Finally, GLA can be chemically synthesized by standard chemical techniques.
A good natural source DGLA does not exist, so that to make this essential fatty acid, one
must either elongate the free fatty acid, methyl or ethyl esters of GlA using standard techniques
s such as the malonic ester synthesis or to chemically synthesize the compound.
Like Gl~, EPA can be easily extracted from natural sources such as plankton, krill, or
marine animals. Also like GLA, EPA can be fermented under controlled conditions. In both cases,
the extracted oil should be refined to meet all international standards for edible oils. Again like
GLA, the triglyceride form of EPA can be altered either by chemical or biochemcial means to
n produce free fatty acids, salts of free fatty acids, methyl or ethyl esters, or monoglycerides
which can be further fractionated to give higher EPA contents than the starting oil in the
triglyceride form. EPA can also be chemically synthesized.
For the purpose of illustration only, the invention will be described in connection with the
method of preparation in various pharmaceutical and food products and its use in the treatment
in certain cardiovascular and immune disorders and hence by extension, its use in the
prophylaxis of such cardiovascular and immune disorders. However, it is recognized that
various changes and modifications to the illustrated examples can be made by those persons
skilled in the art, all falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Figure 1 describes the biochemical relationships of GLA and EPA that is important in the
modulation of prostaglandins. It is the effect of EPA as an inhibitior of the enzyme delta 5
desaturase that diverts the flow of GLA into dihomo gamma linolenic acid (DGL A) instead of its
further metabolism into arachidonic acid (AA). As shown in the examples of the invention, the
ratio of EPA to GLA is critically important in the successful modulation of prostaglandins.
~ESCRIPTION Of THE EM~ODIMENTS
2 5 Example 1.
Six hypertensive subjects with an average blood pressure of 150/92 were placed on a
daily intake of 80 mg. of GLA and 640 mg. of EPA per day for 6 weeks. At the end of six weeks,
their blood pressure was measured and was lowered to an average of 134/78. Their intake was
then changed to 80 mg. GLA and 320 mg. EPA per day for another 2 weeks. At the end of this
period, their blood pressure was measured and the average was found to be 140/83. Their
intake was then changed to 80 mg. GLA and 160 mg. EPA per day for another 2 weeks. At the end
of ~his 2 week period, ~heir blood pressure was measured, and the average blood pressure was
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146188. Their intake was then changed to 80 mg. GLA and 80mg. EPA for another 2 weeks. At
the end of this period, their blood pressure was measured, and the average blood pressure
reading was 156195. Their intake was changed to 80 mg. GLA and 40 mg. EPA per day for
another another 2 weeks. At the end of 2 weeks, their blood pressure was measured, and found to
average 162/100. At this point they were switched back to 80 mg. GLA and 640 mg. EPA for a
final 2 weeks. The average blood pressure was reduced to 143185. The results concerning the
cardiovascular effects of different GLA and EPA ratios are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Effect of combinations of activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids and EPA
on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals
Weeks Rat~oof EPA~oGLA Average Blood Pressure
Start None 1501~2
6 8:1 134n8
2 4:1 140183
2 2:1 146188
2 1 :1 156/95
2 0.5:1 162/100
2 8:1 143/85
These results show that some ratios of EPA and GLA are beneficial in the treatment of
existing hypertension, whereas other ratios are detrimental to the existing disease condition.
20 Example 2.
36 healthly adults were split into 6 groups of 6~ individuals. They were given the
following amounts of dietary supplements for 6 weeks on a daily basis.
Group 1: 40 mg. GLA and 1600 mg. EPA.
Group 2: 40 mg. GLA and 800 mg. EPA.
Group 3: 40 mg. GlA and 400 mg. EPA.
Group 4: 40 mg. GLA and 200 mg. EPA.
Group 5: 40 mg. GLA and 40 mg. EPA.
Group 6: 40 mg. GLA and 20 mg. EPA.
At the end of 6 weeks, each individual was asked to evaluate their energy levels, digestive
30 system responses, and skin condition based on the various levels of supplementation on a
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subjective scale comparing the initial starting point to the final point at the end of the study.
The following questions were asked, and the individuals were asked to respond using a
grading system ranging from +2 (significantly improved), +1 (somewhat improved), 0 (no
change), -1 (somewhat worse), -2 (significantly worse).
s Question 1. Where your energy levels altered during the study?
auestion 2. Did your stool compositon change during the study?
Question 3. Was your skin condition altered during the study?
Each of these questions was used to assess physiological function which is closely related to
prostaglandin formation, and therefore serves as an indication as to how dietarysupplementation with activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids and EPA could effect prostaglandin
formation, and therefore utlimately physiological function.
Energy levels are related to fatigue. Prostaglandins derived from AA (such as
thromboxane A2) are powerful vasoconstrictors that restrict the size of the capillary bed, and
ultimately reduce the transfer rate of oxygen to muscle tissue. This lack of oxygen transfer will
increase the levels of lactic acid in the muscle which causes fatigue. On the other hand,
prostaglandins derived from DGLA (such as PGE1) are powerful vasodilators which will increase
the size of the capillary bed, thereby increasing oxygen transfer to muscle cells. However, if
too much PGE1 is formed, the kidneys will undergo a corresponding increase in vasodilation
resulting in increased urination, and subsequent electrolyte depletion. The electrolyte depletion
will contribution to fatigue, thereby decreasing energy levels. Therefore, at either extreme of
the DGLA to AA ratio in the cardiovascular system, fatigue is the end result. However, at the
optimal balance of these two fatty acids, energy levels should increase. Therefore, the levels of
DGLA to AA in the cardiovascular system will determine which prostaglandins are eventually
produced, and thus ultimately determine the energy level of the individual.
Likewise, stool composition is a good indicator of prostaglandin formation in the
gastrointensintal tract. Vasoconstrictors such as thromboxane A2 derived from AA will decrease
the flow of water into the colon causing constipation. On the other hand, vasodilators such as
PGE1 derived from DGLA will increase the flow of water into the colon. If too much AA is formed
by dietary supplementation with activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids and an insufficient
amount of EPA, then an individual will develop constipation. On the other hand, if too much DGLA
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is being formed, then an individual will develop diarrhea. Again the appropriate balance of DGLA
to AA is reflected in the stool composilion. Thus the ratio of DGLA to M in the mucosa that lines
the gastrointensinal tract will determine which prostaglandins are ultimately produced which
are reflected in the stool composition.
Finally, the skin also responds to changes in the DGLA to AA ratio which will manifest
itself in the modulation of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins such as PGE2 derived from M are
pro-inflammatory and will increase existing skin disorders such as eczema or produce dry skin.
Furthermore, another group of prostaglandins known as leukotrienes produced from AA which
are a major factor in ~he promotion of inflammatory reponse and allergies. On the other hand,
prostaglandins produced from DG A such as PGE1 are anti-inflammatory and tend to reduce skin
disorders. Moreover, leukotrienes cannot be formed from DGLA, so Ihat their levels will also be
rriodulated by the ratio of DGLA to AA in the skin. Therefore, the ratio of DGLA to AA in the skin
will determine which prostaglandins are ultimately produced.
In Table 2 is shown the results of this study with the six groups of individuals using
l 5 different ratios of activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids and EPA.
Table 2. Effect of weight ratios of activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids and EPA on
physiological responses related to prostaglandin formation
Group EPA/GLARatio Energy Stool Skin
40:1 -1.5 + 0.2 -1.3 + 0.2 +1.5 + 0.2
2 20:1 +0.8 + 0.3 -0.2 0.3 +1.3 _ 0.2
3 10:1 +1.8 + 0.2 +1.5 0.2 +0.5 0.2
4 5:1 +1.2 + 0.2 +0.7 + 0.3 +0.7 + 0.2
1:1 -1.2 ' 0.3 -1.7 + 0.3 -0.8 _ 0.3
6 0.5:1 -1.7 + 0.2 -1.7 + 0.3 -1.3 + 0.2
2s This data shows a number of results. At high ratios of EPA to GLA, energy levels and stool
composition (due to diarrhea) worsened for the individuals at the end of the study compared to
the start. Both results can be explained by excessive vasodilation caused by too much DGLA
formation wilhout a compensating production of AA to maintain an appropriate DGLA ~o AA
balance in the cardiovascular system and gastrointensinal tract. On the other hand, their skin
condition improved. This is because the skin is not as senistive to high DGLA levels as are the
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other systems. Thus at high EPA to GLA weight ratios there are some benefits, although many
negative effects are also observed.
The ratio of 10:1 EPA ~o GLA in this study produced optimal results in the improvement of
all three areas (i.e energy, stool composition and skin).
At the lowest ratios of EPA to GLA, a distinct decrease in the energy, stool composition
(due to constipation) and the skin composition (dryness and flaring up of eczema, if an existing
condilion prior to supplementation) were observed. All of these effects can be explained by the
increased levels of M formation giving rise ~o a decreased DG- A to AA ratio in these body tissues.
Correspondingly, the lowered DGLA to M ratio would lead to increased levels of vasoconstrictors
and pro-inflammatory prostaglandins which adversely effect these physiological functions.
These results indicate that there is a specific range of activated Omega 6 essential fatty
acids and EPA weight ratios that modulate prostaglandin levels to the benefit of humans, whereas
other ratios actually decrease the individual's health. It should be noted that the ratios of
activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids and EPA disclosed in the examples of prior art (U.S.
l S Patent No. 4,681,896) would have caused detrimental effects if given to patients with atopic
disorders.
Example 3.
6 patients with clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis were place on a daily
regimen of 480 mg. EPA and 120 mg. of GLA for three months. At the end of the time period, all
clinical signs of rheumatoid arthritis were significantly diminished by joint pain as assessed by
their physician and self assessment. This reduction is joint pain can be related to formation of
prostaglandins which are anti-inflammatory, and the simultaneous suppression of
prostaglandins which are pro-inflammatory.
Example 4.
10 normal subjects were placed on a daily dose of 640 mg. EPA and 80 mg. Gi A for 2
weeks. Blood samples were taken, the platelets were isolated. Measurements aggregation of
platelets were taken before and after the supplementation program. In these platelet aggregation
studies, the isolated platelets were stimulated with collagen (0.5 ug/ml) and a thromboxane A2
analog (U46619) {500 ng/ml~. The results are shown in Table 3.
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Table 3. EHects of EPA and activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids on platelet aggregation.
Parameter Average 8efore Supelementation Average afterSupplementation ~2
Aggregation
with U46619 117 + 18 88 + 27 ~0.01
Aggregation lag
with collagen~ 66 ~ 23 79 + 36 c0.05
n.s. not statistically significant
lag time in seconds before aggregation
These results can be summarized as follows: There was no change in the platelet count,
10 but there was a statistically significant decrease in platelet aggregation times. This indicates
that the decrease in platelet aggregation was due to modulation of prostaglandins in the platelets
by the dietary supplemenlation with EPA and GLA. This modulation of prostaglandins decreased
the tendency of these platelets to aggregate when stimulated by an external response.
Example 5.
A 0.5 gram soft gelatin capsule containing 15 mg. GLA and 60 mg. EPA. The number of
capsules taken on a daily basis to modulate prostaglandins on a short term basis (up to 30 days)
would be 4 capsules per day. The amount ingested for a long term basis would be one capsule per
day as less activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids are required to maintain the tissue levels of
DGLA to M once they are established.
Example 6.
To illustrate the effect of the invention for the treatment of immune disorders, an AIDS
patient with clinicial signs of Karposi's sarcoma was put on a dialy regime of 8 0.5 gram soft
gelatin capsules containing15 mg. GLA and 60 mg. of EPA for 60 days. After 60 days, the dosage
was increased to 16 capsules per day for the next 6 months. Three months after starting the
program, the lesions associated with Karposi's sarcoma had disappeared. The lesions reappeared
after eight months from the start of ~he program. This result shows that a relatively low
amount of the invention can cause regression of cancerous lesions such those associated with
Karposi's sarcoma.
Example 7.
A 0.5 gram soft gelatin capsule containing 8 mg. DGLA and 80 mg. EPA. The number of
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capsutes taken on a daily basis to modulate prostaglandins on a short term basis (up to 30 days)
would be 4 capsules per day. The amount taken for a long term basis would be one capsule per
day as less activated Omega 6 essential fatty acids are required to maintain ~issue levels of DGLA
to AA once they are established.
S Example 8.
Another example of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is a physiologically
compatible intravenous emulsion suitable for injection. 1.0 grams of purified soybean lecithin
containing 75% phosphatidylcholine was dispersed in 100 ml. of distilled water buffered with 1
mM phosphate to pH 7.5. To the dispersed lecithin was added 10 grams of oil containing 1.2
grams EPA and 0.3 grams of GLA and 2.25 9 of glycerine. The material was emulsifed with a
Branson W-375 sonifier under a nitrogen atomsphere. The resulting dispersion consisted of an
emulsion with an average particle size of 261 nm.
Example 9.
To illustrate an example of a food product containing the invention, a dairy emulsion
suitable for food use can be made by the dispersion of 1.0 grams of a purified soybean lecithin
fraction consisting of 45% phosphatidylcholine in 100 mi. of distilled water. To the dispersed
lecithin is added 10 grams of oil containing 1.2 grams of EPA and 0.3 g GLA and 0.01 grams of
artificial chocolate flavor. The mixture was homogenized and passed through a microfluidizing
apparatus to produce a dispersion with an average particle size of 275 nm.
Example 10.
To illustrate the potential of increasing the potency of the invention by fractionation of the
active ingredients, in particular the GLA component, the following example is given. 500 g. of
refined borage oil was refluxed for 1 hour with a solution of 400 ml. of ethanol,125 ml. of
water, and 115 9. of KOH. The mixture was cooled and 500 ml of crushed ice and 600 ml. of 0.4
M H2SO4 was added. The layers were separated, and the upper layer was dried by the addition of
3% by weight of MgS04. At this point, the triglycerides of the borage oil have been transformed
into free fatty acids. The MgS04 was filtered, and the free fatty acids are refluxed for 1 hour
with 1000 ml. of methanol and 20 ml. of concentrated H2S04. After cooling, 1500 ml. of water
was added and phases were separated. To the upper phase containing the methyl esters of GLA
26 was added 3% by weight of MgS04. The MgS04 was fil~ered and the solution was evaporated to
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dryness. At this point the concentration of the methyl esters of Gi~ relative to other fatty acids
was 22.1% and the content of linoleic acid was 37.2%, which was similar to that found in the
starting borage oil.
- To further increase the potency of the methyl ester of Gi~ the following procedures were
used. 1400 9. of of urea was dissoived in 5600 ml. of warm methanol/ethanol (2:1 v/v). To
the dissolved urea was added 500 9. of the methyl esters of GLA derived from borage oil. The
mixture was placed at 0 C overnight. The mixture was filtered and washed with cold methanol.
To eliminate any urea that may have stayed in solution, to the filtered solution was added 1000
ml. of 0.4 M H2SO4 for every 2000 ml. of filtered solution. The upper phase was separated and
dried with MgSO4. The MgSO4 was filtered, and the solvent were evaporated under vacuum.
From the starting 500 9. of unfractionated methyl esters of G-~, the yield was 96 9. Analysis of
this fraction by gas liquid chromatography showed that the composition of this fraction was
92.4% GLA and 6.8% linoleic acid. The total recovery of GlA was 80.3%.
What is claimed is:
-~i 1 4
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~ . - .. . . . . . ... . . . .
