Eicosanoid
Eicosanoid
Eicosanoids (pronounced: eye-koh-sah-noyds) are a group of lipid compounds that are derived from twenty-carbon fatty acids. They are primarily involved in inflammation, allergy, fever and other physiological processes.
Etymology
The term "Eicosanoid" is derived from the Greek word "Eicosa", which means twenty, and "oid", meaning like or similar to. This refers to the twenty-carbon structure of these compounds.
Types of Eicosanoids
There are three main types of eicosanoids:
- Prostaglandins - These are produced by almost all tissues in the body and have a wide range of functions, including the regulation of inflammation, blood flow, and hormone regulation.
- Thromboxanes - These are produced by platelets and are involved in the process of blood clotting and the regulation of blood pressure.
- Leukotrienes - These are produced by white blood cells and are involved in the inflammatory response, particularly in conditions such as asthma and allergic reactions.
Synthesis of Eicosanoids
Eicosanoids are synthesized from arachidonic acid, a twenty-carbon fatty acid. The process involves the action of enzymes such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which convert arachidonic acid into various eicosanoids.
Role in Disease
Eicosanoids play a significant role in various diseases. For instance, overproduction of certain eicosanoids can lead to excessive inflammation, which is a characteristic of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma. On the other hand, some eicosanoids have protective effects, such as preventing blood clot formation in the cardiovascular system.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eicosanoid
- Wikipedia's article - Eicosanoid
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