Prostacyclin (or PGI2) is a member of the family of lipid molecules known as eicosanoids.\nAs a drug, it is also known as "epoprostenol".[1] The terms are sometimes used interchangeably
Prostacyclin (PGI2) chiefly prevents formation of the platelet plug involved in primary hemostasis (a part of blood clot formation). It is also an effective vasodilator. Prostacyclin's interactions in contrast to thromboxane (TXA2), another eicosanoid, strongly suggest a mechanism of cardiovascular homeostasis between the two hormones in relation to vascular damage.
In biochemistry, eicosanoids are signaling molecules derived from omega-3 (ω-3) or omega-6 (ω-6) fats. They exert complex control over many bodily systems, especially in inflammation, immunity and as messengers in the central nervous system. The network
"Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Eicosanoids and Ischemic Heart Disease, Part II
Here's where it gets more complicated and more interesting. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 matters, but so does the total amount of each. This is a graph from a 1992 paper by Dr. Lands:
In sum, this suggests that the single best way to avoid a heart attack is to reduce omega-6 consumption and ensure an adequate source of omega-3. The lower the omega-6, the less the omega-3 matters. This is a nice theory, but where's the direct evidence? In the next post, I'll discuss the controlled trial that proved this concept once and for all: the Lyon diet-heart trial.
The role of eicosanoids in the brain.
Tassoni D, Kaur G, Weisinger RS, Sinclair AJ.
Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:220-8. Review.
PMID: 18296342
Liberation of these PUFA from the phosphoglycerides occurs via the action of specific phospholipases (PLA2).
Thromboxane is a member of the family of lipids known as eicosanoids. The two major thromboxanes are thromboxane A2 and thromboxane B2.
Thromboxane is named for its role in clot formation (thrombosis).
Lipoxins are a series of anti-inflammatory mediators. Lipoxins are short lived endogenously produced nonclassic eicosanoids whose appearance in inflammation signals the resolution of inflammation. They are abbreviated as LX, an acronym for lipoxygenase (LO) interaction products. At present two lipoxins have been identified; lipoxin A4 (LXA4) and lipoxin B4 (LXB4)
Cyclooxygenase (COX) is an enzyme (EC 1.14.99.1) that is responsible for formation of important biological mediators called prostanoids (including prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane). Pharmacological inhibition of COX can provide relief from the
Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that cannot be constructed within an organism from other components (generally all references are to humans) by any known chemical pathways; and therefore must be obtained from the diet. The term refers to t
Dietary long-chain n-3 fatty acids for the prevention of cancer: a review of potential mechanisms.
Larsson SC, Kumlin M, Ingelman-Sundberg M, Wolk A.
Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Jun;79(6):935-45. Review.
PMID: 15159222
Effects of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic n-3 fatty acids from fish oil and preferential Cox-2 inhibition on systemic syndromes in patients with advanced lung cancer.
Cerchietti LC, Navigante AH, Castro MA.
Nutr Cancer. 2007;59(1):14-20.
PMID: 17927497
Modulation of inflammation in brain: a matter of fat.
Farooqui AA, Horrocks LA, Farooqui T.
J Neurochem. 2007 May;101(3):577-99. Epub 2007 Jan 25. Review.
PMID: 17257165
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04371.x
Comparison of biochemical effects of statins and fish oil in brain: the battle of the titans.
Farooqui AA, Ong WY, Horrocks LA, Chen P, Farooqui T.
Brain Res Rev. 2007 Dec;56(2):443-71. Epub 2007 Oct 23. Review.
PMID: 17959252
doi:10.1016/j.brainresrev.2007.09.004
The relationship between the fatty acid composition of immune cells and their function.
Calder PC.
Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2008 Sep-Nov;79(3-5):101-8. Epub 2008 Oct 23. Review.
PMID: 18951005
doi:10.1016/j.plefa.2008.09.016
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