arachidonic acid metabolite production involved in inflammatory response

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The synthesis or release of products of arachidonic acid metabolism following a stimulus as part of an inflammatory response, resulting in an increase in their intracellular or extracellular levels. [GOC:add, ISBN:0781735149]

Arachidonic acid metabolites, particularly prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and thromboxanes, play a crucial role in the inflammatory response. This process begins with the activation of phospholipase A2 (PLA2), an enzyme that releases arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids. Once released, arachidonic acid is metabolized via two main pathways: the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway and the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway.

The COX pathway leads to the production of prostaglandins (PGs). COX enzymes exist in two isoforms: COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is constitutively expressed and involved in normal physiological functions, while COX-2 is induced by inflammatory stimuli. PGs contribute to inflammation through various mechanisms, including vasodilation, pain sensitization, and fever induction. Key PGs involved in inflammation include PGE2, PGF2α, PGD2, and thromboxane A2 (TXA2).

The LOX pathway, on the other hand, produces leukotrienes (LTs). LOX enzymes are also present in different isoforms, including 5-LOX, 12-LOX, and 15-LOX. 5-LOX is the key enzyme in the production of LTs, which are potent inflammatory mediators. LTs, such as LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4, contribute to inflammation by attracting leukocytes, promoting vascular permeability, and inducing bronchoconstriction.

In summary, the production of arachidonic acid metabolites via both the COX and LOX pathways is a central event in the inflammatory response. These metabolites, particularly prostaglandins and leukotrienes, act as signaling molecules that contribute to various aspects of inflammation, including vasodilation, pain, fever, leukocyte recruitment, and bronchoconstriction.'
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Proteins (1)

Compounds (2)