Eicosanoid

Eicosanoids (or icosanoids) are hormones made of lipids. They are signaling molecules made by the oxidation of 20-carbon fatty acids.

They have control over many bodily systems. They influence growth during and after physical activity, inflammation or immunity after the intake of toxic compounds and pathogens. They are also messengers in the central nervous system.

The networks of controls that depend upon eicosanoids are among the most complex in the human body.^[1]

Eicosanoid Media

Pathways in biosynthesis of eicosanoids from arachidonic acid: there are parallel paths from EPA & DGLA.
Chemical structure of Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).
Chemical structure of thromboxane A2.
Leukotriene B4.svg

Chemical structure of leukotriene B4.
Prostaglandin I2.png

The structure of Prostaglandin I2
Leukotriene E4.svg

Chemical structure of leukotriene E4.
EFA sources: Essential fatty acid production and metabolism to form eicosanoids. At each step, the ω−3 and ω−6 cascades compete for the enzymes.

↑ Soberman, Roy J. & Christmas, Peter 2003. The organization and consequences of eicosanoid signaling. J. Clin. Invest. 111 (8): 1107–1113. [1]

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