15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid

Description

## 15-Hydroperoxy-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (15-HPETE)

**What it is:** 15-HPETE is a **lipid peroxide**, a type of fatty acid with an added oxygen atom, formed through the enzymatic oxidation of **eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)**. EPA is an omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish oil and plays a crucial role in various bodily functions.

**How it's formed:** 15-HPETE is generated through the action of **15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX)**, an enzyme that specifically adds oxygen at the 15th carbon position of EPA.

**Importance for research:** 15-HPETE is a significant molecule in research due to its multifaceted roles in **cellular signaling, inflammation, and disease development.**

**Here's why it's important:**

* **Inflammation:** 15-HPETE is involved in the **inflammatory response**, acting as a signaling molecule to activate downstream pathways that contribute to inflammation. This makes it a potential target for research into new anti-inflammatory drugs.
* **Cardiovascular health:** 15-HPETE has been shown to influence **blood pressure regulation** and **platelet aggregation**, processes crucial for cardiovascular health. Understanding its role in these functions could lead to new therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
* **Cancer:** Research suggests that 15-HPETE might play a role in **tumor growth and metastasis**. Understanding its mechanisms of action could lead to new targets for cancer prevention and treatment.
* **Neurological diseases:** 15-HPETE has been linked to **neurodegenerative diseases** such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Studying its role in these diseases could offer insights into their pathogenesis and potential treatments.
* **Metabolic disorders:** 15-HPETE may contribute to **insulin resistance** and **obesity**. Investigating its role in these metabolic disorders could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for their management.

**Overall, 15-HPETE is an important molecule for research because its involvement in various biological processes, from inflammation and cardiovascular health to cancer and neurological diseases, makes it a potential target for drug development and disease prevention.**

**Important note:** It's essential to remember that the role of 15-HPETE in these diseases is complex and still under investigation. Further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential for therapeutic manipulation.

15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid: structure given in first source [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]