13-hydroperoxy-9,11,15-octadecatrienoic acid

Description

13-hydroperoxy-9,11,15-octadecatrienoic acid, often shortened to **13-HPODE**, is a specific type of **hydroperoxide**, which is a molecule containing a **peroxide group** (O-O) attached to a hydrocarbon chain.

**Here's a breakdown of its importance in research:**

* **It's a key intermediate in the production of prostaglandins:** Prostaglandins are a group of lipid compounds that play a crucial role in various biological processes, including inflammation, pain, fever, blood clotting, and reproduction. 13-HPODE is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of certain prostaglandins, particularly those derived from linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid).

* **It's involved in oxidative stress:** Oxidative stress occurs when there's an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to detoxify them. 13-HPODE is one of the products of lipid peroxidation, a process where free radicals damage cell membranes and other lipids. This makes it a marker of oxidative stress and its role in various diseases.

* **It's a signaling molecule:** Beyond its role in prostaglandin synthesis, 13-HPODE can itself act as a signaling molecule. It can activate certain receptors and trigger downstream signaling pathways involved in inflammation and other biological processes.

**Why it's important for research:**

1. **Understanding disease mechanisms:** Researchers study 13-HPODE to understand how oxidative stress contributes to various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory conditions, and cancer.

2. **Developing new treatments:** By studying the role of 13-HPODE in disease processes, researchers aim to develop novel therapeutic strategies that target its production or signaling pathways to alleviate disease symptoms or prevent disease progression.

3. **Monitoring oxidative stress:** 13-HPODE can be used as a biomarker for oxidative stress. Measuring its levels in biological samples can help researchers assess the extent of oxidative stress and its impact on various health conditions.

4. **Food chemistry and nutrition:** 13-HPODE formation is also relevant in the context of food chemistry and nutrition. It contributes to the oxidation of fatty acids in foods, leading to changes in flavor, aroma, and nutritional value. Understanding its formation can help researchers develop methods for preventing food spoilage and preserving nutritional quality.

Overall, 13-HPODE is a significant molecule with diverse roles in biology and a subject of active research in various fields, including medicine, nutrition, and food science.

13-hydroperoxy-9,11,15-octadecatrienoic acid: structure given in first source; RN given refers to (E,Z,Z)-isomer; RN for cpd without isomeric designation not available 11/88 [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]