Changes

#'''Skin and Hair Coat:''' Epidermal keratinocytes secrete the LA-enriched phospholipid, ceramide, in both dogs and cats. Ceramide functions to enhance cell cohesion and create an effective water barrier<ref name="Elias"/>. Increased intake of LA above the minimal requirement may improve skin and coat health in dogs and cats<ref name="Rees"/><ref name="Codner"/>.  

#'''Skin and Hair Coat:''' Epidermal keratinocytes secrete the LA-enriched phospholipid, ceramide, in both dogs and cats. Ceramide functions to enhance cell cohesion and create an effective water barrier<ref name="Elias"/>. Increased intake of LA above the minimal requirement may improve skin and coat health in dogs and cats<ref name="Rees"/><ref name="Codner"/>.  

#'''Inflammation:''' Arachidonic acid comprises approximately 20-25% of the fatty acids within the cellular membrane and acts as a substrate for cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes to form the inflammatory [[Nutrition Glossary#Eicosanoids|eicosanoids]] series-2 prostaglandins (prostaglandins, prostycyclins and thromboxanes) and series-4 leukotrienes<ref name="NRC"/>.  

#'''Inflammation:''' Arachidonic acid comprises approximately 20-25% of the fatty acids within the cellular membrane and acts as a substrate for cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes to form the inflammatory [[Nutrition Glossary#Eicosanoids|eicosanoids]] series-2 prostaglandins (prostaglandins, prostycyclins and thromboxanes) and series-4 leukotrienes<ref name="NRC"/>.  

#'''Reproduction:''' Queens fed AA deficient diets with adequate levels of LA are unable to support normal pregnancy and foetal development<ref name="MacDonald">MacDonald ML, et al. Effects of linoleate and arachidonate deficiency on reproduction and spermatogenesis in the cat. J Nutr 1984;114:719-726.</ref>, while no impact on male fertility and [[Spermatogenesis and Spermiation - Anatomy & Physiology|spermatogenesis]] is seen.

#'''Reproduction:''' Queens fed AA deficient diets with adequate levels of LA are unable to support normal [[Pregnancy|pregnancy]] and foetal development<ref name="MacDonald">MacDonald ML, et al. Effects of linoleate and arachidonate deficiency on reproduction and spermatogenesis in the cat. J Nutr 1984;114:719-726.</ref>, while no impact on male fertility and [[Spermatogenesis and Spermiation - Anatomy & Physiology|spermatogenesis]] is seen.

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[[File:Omega 6.jpg|thumb|400px|center|Role of omega-6 fatty acids in the body<br>© Diffomédia/Masure]]

[[File:Omega 6.jpg|thumb|400px|center|Role of omega-6 fatty acids in the body<br>© Diffomédia/Masure]]