α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential fatty acid found in leafy green vegetables. ALA, as part of a low saturated fat diet, helps prevent cardiovascular disease. ALA decreases blood pressure, serum cholesterol levels, and platelet aggregation.1 Linolenic acid ethyl ester (LAEE) is a neutral, more lipophilic form of the free acid that can be used as an exogenous source of α-linolenic acid. This ethanol metabolite may contribute to ethanol-induced hepatic fibrogenesis through stimulation of intracellular signaling pathways in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). LAEE increases cyclin E expression and CDK2 activity as well as increases ERK and JNK activity.2
1
Allman, M.A., Pena, M.M., and Pang, D. Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: Effects on platelet composition and function. Eur J Clin Nutr49169-178(1995).
2
Li, J., Hu, W., Baldassare, J.J., et al. The ethanol metabolite, linolenic acid ethyl ester, stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase and cyclin signaling in hepatic stellate cells. Life Sci731083-1096(2003).
Synonyms
Ethyl α-Linolenate
LAEE
Formal Name
9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester
CAS Number
1191-41-9
Molecular Formula
C20H34O2
Formula Weight
306.5
Formulation
A solution in ethanol
Purity
≥98%
Stability
1 year
Storage
-20°C
Shipping
Wet ice
in continental US; may vary elsewhere
SMILES
Copy SMILES to clipboard
CC/C=C\C/C=C\C/C=C\CCCCCCCC(OCC)=O
Background Reading
Allman, M.A., Pena, M.M., and Pang, D. Supplementation with flaxseed oil versus sunflowerseed oil in healthy young men consuming a low fat diet: Effects on platelet composition and function. Eur J Clin Nutr49169-178(1995).
Li, J., Hu, W., Baldassare, J.J., et al. The ethanol metabolite, linolenic acid ethyl ester, stimulates mitogen-activated protein kinase and cyclin signaling in hepatic stellate cells. Life Sci731083-1096(2003).
Linolenic Acid ethyl ester is available in the following screening
libraries: