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Figure 1 | Lipids in Health and Disease

Figure 1

From: Adipose tissue arachidonic acid content is associated with the expression of 5-lipoxygenase in atherosclerotic plaques

Figure 1

Formation of leukotrienes from arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid. To the left is seen the synthesis of 4-series leukotrienes derived from arachidonic acid (ARA). The initial step is catalyzed by 5-lipoxygenase and leukotriene A4 is formed. Next, depending on enzyme availability of the individual cell, either leukotriene B4 or leukotriene C4 will be formed. If leukotriene C4 is formed, it is quickly converted to leukotriene D4 and then to leukotriene E4, and these leukotrienes are collectively known as cysteinyl leukotrienes. To the right is seen the synthesis of 5-series leukotrienes derived from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Since EPA is chemically identical to ARA, apart from one additional double bond, it serves as a co-substrate for the enzymes used for the formation of 4-series leukotrienes (competitive inhibitor).

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Lipids in Health and Disease

ISSN: 1476-511X