ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and dihomo-GLA (DGLA) may be playing a role in atopy in infants because the breast milk of mothers of atopic children had lower GLA and DGLA levels. GLA is distributed in small amounts in many plants belonging to the families Aceraceae, Boraginaceae, Cannabinaceae, Liliaceae, Onagraceae, Ranunculaceae, Saxifragaceae, and Scrophulariaceae; however, only a limited number of these plants contain commercially relevant amounts. GLA has been studied mainly for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. Immune and inflammatory reactions are complex and tightly regulated responses that involve the interplay of several cell types and humoral factors. GLA also affects cytokine pathways, inhibiting mitogen-induced production of IL-2 by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a dose-dependent manner. The anticancer effects of GLA could be mediated by its antiproliferative actions against cancer cells or by increasing apoptotic cell death.
