Augmentation of prostaglandin production by linoleic acid in man

Since several lines of evidence have suggested that a diminution of endogenous prostaglandins (PG) may participate in the pathogenesis of a variety of disease states, it would be advantageous to develop therapeutic approaches that augment endogenous prostaglandin synthesis. Since linoleic acid is readily converted to arachidonic acid, we assessed the effects of linoleic acid administration on immunoassayable PGE and 6-oxo-PGF₁(α) excretion as indices of PGE₂ and PGI₂ production. Six normal subjects were studied twice: during a seated control study and during an 8 h infusion of a 10% emulsion of safflower oil (Liposyn) containing approx. 77% linoleid acid, in a dose of 1.5 g/kg body weight. Liposyn induced a profound increase in immunoassayable 6-oxo-PGF₁(α)excretion. Simultaneously, immunoassayable PGE excretion increased modestly. The current study raises the possibility that linoleic acid administration might constitute a new therapeutic approach in managing disorders characterized by an impairment of the ability to augment prostaglandin synthesis.