The mechanisms by which CLA might
affect metabolism are many. It is suggested that CLA competes
with arachidonic acid in the cyclooxygenase reaction,resulting in reduced concentration of prostaglandins and tromboxanes in the 2-series . CLA may suppress the gene expression of cyclooxygenase, and reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFalpha
and interleukines in animals . CLA also activates the PPARs transcription factors, and CLA may reduce the initial step in NF-kappa B activation and
thereby reduce cytokines, adhesions molecules and other stress-induced molecules.