Serum Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid (DGLA)
20-carbon omega-6 fatty acid (20:3 n-6) elongated from GLA that competitively inhibits arachidonic acid conversion by COX-2.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference Ranges%
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Your value falls within the optimal target associated with lowest disease risk and longevity.
1.0 - 3.0% total fatty acids
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
1.2 - 2.5%
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Metabolized by cyclooxygenase into prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and 15-HETrE, which possess potent vasodilatory and anti-aggregatory properties.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (DGLA High)
- •High GLA intake with balanced delta-5 desaturase activity
Low Levels (DGLA Low)
- •High delta-5 desaturase activity rapidly shunting DGLA into inflammatory arachidonic acid
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for DGLA
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to series-1 eicosanoid precursor
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Serum Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 34090124
- [2]DGLA Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35322901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Serum Dihomo-Gamma-Linolenic Acid (DGLA) into overall healthspan optimization.