11-hydroxy-9,12-octadecadienoic acid

Description

11-hydroxy-9,12-octadecadienoic acid is a fatty acid with the chemical formula **C18H32O3**. It's also known as **11-HODE** for short.

**What makes it special?**

11-HODE is a product of the enzymatic oxidation of **linoleic acid**, an essential fatty acid found in many plant oils. This oxidation process is catalyzed by **11-lipoxygenase** (11-LOX), an enzyme involved in various biological processes.

**Why is it important for research?**

11-HODE has garnered interest in research for its potential involvement in a variety of biological functions, including:

* **Inflammation:** 11-HODE can contribute to inflammation by acting as a pro-inflammatory mediator. It activates the production of other inflammatory molecules and promotes the recruitment of immune cells to the site of inflammation.
* **Cell growth and differentiation:** Research suggests that 11-HODE can influence cell growth and differentiation processes. Its role in these processes is still under investigation.
* **Cardiovascular health:** 11-HODE might have an impact on blood pressure regulation and blood vessel function. Its role in cardiovascular health is complex and requires further research.
* **Skin health:** 11-HODE has been linked to skin inflammation and the production of skin oils. It's also found in sebum, an oily substance secreted by skin glands.
* **Oxidative stress:** 11-HODE can be a product of oxidative stress, a process that can damage cells and tissues. Its role in oxidative stress is being studied.

**Research Focus:**

Researchers are actively investigating 11-HODE in various contexts, particularly its roles in:

* **Chronic inflammatory diseases:** Understanding how 11-HODE contributes to inflammation can be crucial for developing treatments for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
* **Cancer:** Some studies suggest 11-HODE might play a role in tumor growth and development.
* **Neurological diseases:** 11-HODE's potential involvement in inflammation in the nervous system is being investigated for its role in neurological disorders.

**In summary**, 11-HODE is an important molecule for research due to its involvement in various physiological processes and its potential role in diseases. Ongoing research aims to elucidate its exact functions and implications for human health.

(9Z,12Z)-11-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid : A HODE that is linoleic acid carrying a single hydroxy substituent at position 11. [Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI), Hastings J, Owen G, Dekker A, Ennis M, Kale N, Muthukrishnan V, Turner S, Swainston N, Mendes P, Steinbeck C. (2016). ChEBI in 2016: Improved services and an expanding collection of metabolites. Nucleic Acids Res]