eicosanoid

chemical compound

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July 23, 2026

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Eicosanoids are a group of signaling molecules derived from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid. These lipid compounds act as local chemical messengers, influencing processes near their site of origin.12

The three main classes of eicosanoids are prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. They interact with specific cell surface receptors to trigger various effects, including inflammatory responses, changes in blood pressure, and blood clotting. For example, prostaglandins can cause vasodilation, while thromboxanes act as vasoconstrictors. Eicosanoids play crucial roles in physiological processes such as inflammation, smooth muscle contraction, and reproduction. Drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen work by inhibiting the enzymes involved in eicosanoid synthesis or their receptors.12

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lipid
Eicosanoids
Three types of locally acting signaling molecules are derived biosynthetically from C₂₀ polyunsaturated fatty acids, principally arachidonic acid. Twenty-carbon fatty acids are all known collectively as eicosanoic acids. The three chemically similar classes are prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. The eicosanoids interact with specific cell…
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Three types of locally acting signaling molecules are derived biosynthetically from C₂₀ polyunsaturated fatty acids, principally arachidonic acid. Twenty-carbon fatty acids are all known collectively as eicosanoic acids. The three chemically similar classes are prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. The eicosanoids interact with specific cell…
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human nutrition
Triglycerides
…synthesis of hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids (e.g., prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes), which are important regulators of blood pressure, blood clotting, and the immune response. The consumption of fish once or twice a week provides an additional source of omega-3 fatty acids that appears to be healthful.
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…synthesis of hormone-like compounds called eicosanoids (e.g., prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes), which are important regulators of blood pressure, blood clotting, and the immune response. The consumption of fish once or twice a week provides an additional source of omega-3 fatty acids that appears to be healthful.
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