Biological Roles of Fatty Acids in Health and Disease

Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential dietary lipids that play central roles in cellular structure, metabolic regulation, immune function, and inflammatory signaling. Over recent decades, extensive experimental and clinical research has clarified the mechanisms through which these fatty acids influence human health and disease. This book provides an integrative overview of the physiological and pathological roles of omega-3 PUFAs—particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—while also addressing the complex, context-dependent effects of omega-6 fatty acids.Omega-3 PUFAs act as key modulators of inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signaling, regulating cytokine production, remodeling membrane lipid composition, and generating specialized pro-resolving mediators. Beyond anti-inflammatory actions, they influence mTOR signaling, mitochondrial function, oxidative balance, T-cell differentiation, endothelial activity, and gene expression. These molecular effects translate into clinically meaningful benefits across autoimmune, cardiovascular, metabolic, oncologic, and neurodegenerative disorders.