Eicosanoids
Eicosanoids
Eicosanoids (pronounced: /ˌaɪkoʊsəˈnɔɪdz/) are a group of lipid compounds that are derived from twenty-carbon fatty acids. They are primarily produced in the body from arachidonic acid and play a crucial role in various biological functions such as inflammation, immune response, and platelet aggregation.
Etymology
The term 'Eicosanoid' is derived from the Greek word 'Eicosa', which means twenty. This refers to the twenty-carbon backbone structure of these compounds.
Types of Eicosanoids
Eicosanoids are categorized into four main types: Prostaglandins, Thromboxanes, Leukotrienes, and Lipoxins. Each of these types has a unique role in the body's physiological and pathological processes.
Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins are a type of eicosanoid that regulate various body functions such as blood flow, inflammation, and the formation of blood clots.
Thromboxanes
Thromboxanes are eicosanoids that play a crucial role in the formation of blood clots and the regulation of blood pressure.
Leukotrienes
Leukotrienes are a type of eicosanoid that are involved in the body's immune response, particularly in the process of inflammation.
Lipoxins
Lipoxins are eicosanoids that have anti-inflammatory properties and play a role in the resolution of inflammation.
Related Terms
- Cyclooxygenase: An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and thromboxanes.
- Lipoxygenase: An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to leukotrienes and lipoxins.
- Phospholipase A2: An enzyme that releases arachidonic acid from cell membranes, initiating the synthesis of eicosanoids.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Eicosanoids
- Wikipedia's article - Eicosanoids
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