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Review
. 2018 Mar 13:11:23-32.
doi: 10.1016/j.jare.2018.03.005. eCollection 2018 May.

Synopsis of arachidonic acid metabolism: A review

Violette Said Hanna  1 , Ebtisam Abdel Aziz Hafez  1
Affiliations
Review

Synopsis of arachidonic acid metabolism: A review

Violette Said Hanna et al. J Adv Res. .

Abstract

Arachidonic acid (AA), a 20 carbon chain polyunsaturated fatty acid with 4 double bonds, is an integral constituent of biological cell membrane, conferring it with fluidity and flexibility. The four double bonds of AA predispose it to oxygenation that leads to a plethora of metabolites of considerable importance for the proper function of the immune system, promotion of allergies and inflammation, resolving of inflammation, mood, and appetite. The present review presents an illustrated synopsis of AA metabolism, corroborating the instrumental importance of AA derivatives for health and well-being. It provides a comprehensive outline on AA metabolic pathways, enzymes and signaling cascades, in order to develop new perspectives in disease treatment and diagnosis.

Keywords: Arachidonic acid; Delta desaturases; Eicosanoids; Endocannabinoids; Isoprostanes; Lipo- and cyclo-oxygenases.

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Figures

None
Graphical abstract
Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Arachidonic acid hairpin conformation.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Linoleic acid metabolism yielding arachidonic acid.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Sites of hydrolysis for each phospholipase (PLA1, PLA2, PLC and PLD).
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
cPLA2 enzyme structure showing two domains: a catalytic domain (alpha/beta hydrolase embodying a cap region) with a catalysis pocket containing Ser-228 and Asp-549 and a C2 domain [embodying three calcium binding loops (CBL) forming an anion charge on the domain] .
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Prostanoic acid, the basic structure for prostanoids.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
The secondary structure of the seven transmembrane spanning G protein-coupled prostanoid receptor .
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
The biosynthesis of anandamide occurs through enzymatic routes that involve the presence of high levels of AA and ethanolamine, catalyzed by FAAH fatty acid amide hydrolase enzyme. The anandamide is considered as a ligand for CB1 and CB2 (cannabinoids receptor) which are responsible for liver regeneration and cell proliferation .
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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