Docosanoic acid

Docosanoic acid (Behenic acid) is a long-chain saturated fatty acid. Docosanoic acid inhibits the double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) binding activity of p53 DNA binding domain, with a K_d of 12 nM. Docosanoic acid has low bioavailability and can increase cholesterol in humans^[1][2][3]. In Vitro:Docosanoic acid is effective at inhibiting the dsDNA binding activity of wild-type p53 DBD, with 50% inhibition observed at 0.41 nmol. The inhibitory effect of Docosanoic acid on the activities of R248A mutant p53 DBD was almost as strong as that of the wild-type^[3]. In Vivo:In rats, the percentage of Behenic acid in the diet is 1.7% and shows a significant reduction in the deposition of visceral fat, confirmed by a lower weight of adipose (epididymal and mesenteric) and hepatic tissues, as well as excreting more fatty acids in the feces when compared to the group. Behenic acid has a low bioavailability, which leads to a reduction in the absorption and as a consequence, to the reduction in body weight and deposition of visceral fat^[2].