Fig. 2
From: Can essential fatty acids (EFAs) prevent and ameliorate post-COVID-19 long haul manifestations?
Metabolism of essential fatty acids (EFAs), their role in inflammation and factors that influence desaturases. SARS-CoV-2 activates PLA2 (phospholipase A2) and induces the release of GLA, DGLA, AA, EPA, and DHA from the cell membrane lipid pool. SARS-CoV-2 inhibits the activities of desaturases and thus, decreases the formation of GLA, DGLA and AA from LA and EPA and DHA from ALA. SARS-CoV-2 activates both COX and LOX enzymes resulting in increased formation of PGs (prostaglandins), LTs (leukotrienes) that have pro-inflammatory action and. enhanced formation of LXA4, resolvins, protectins and maresins that may induce hypotension