AA - Arachidonic Acid |Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background:

Arachidonic acid is obtained from the diet through the consumption of foods rich in polyunsaturated fats, such as certain vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. It can also be synthesized in the body from linoleic acid, another essential fatty acid. AA is an important inflammatory mediator involved in many molecular and cellular functions under physiological and pathological conditions . AA-containing phospholipids are especially abundant in the brain, where they make up around 30% of all phospholipids. Under conditions of ischemia, phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) are activated, which liberate AA from the membrane phospholipids. Some cyclooxygenases are responsable to convert AA in prostaglandins , tromboxanes and Leukotrienes

Function:

1. Cell Membrane Structure: Arachidonic acid is a component of cell membranes, where it contributes to membrane fluidity and permeability.
2. Precursor to Bioactive Lipids: Arachidonic acid serves as a precursor for the synthesis of various bioactive lipid mediators, including eicosanoids such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. These lipid mediators play crucial roles in inflammation, immune response, blood clotting, and other physiological processes.
3. Cell Signaling: Arachidonic acid and its derivatives can act as signaling molecules that regulate cellular processes such as gene expression, cell growth, and apoptosis.
4. Neurotransmission: Arachidonic acid is involved in neurotransmission and synaptic function in the central nervous system.

Main Features:

• Polyunsaturated Structure: Arachidonic acid contains multiple double bonds, making it more susceptible to oxidation and enzymatic modification compared to saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids.
• Versatile Metabolism: Arachidonic acid can be metabolized by various enzymes, leading to the formation of different bioactive lipid molecules with diverse physiological functions.
• Regulation: The levels of arachidonic acid in cells and tissues are tightly regulated by dietary intake, synthesis, and metabolism to maintain homeostasis.

Biological Significance:

• Inflammation: Arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids play key roles in the initiation and resolution of inflammation. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes produced from arachidonic acid are potent mediators of inflammatory responses.
• Immune Response: Eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid modulate immune cell function and cytokine production, influencing the body's immune response to pathogens and foreign substances.
• Cardiovascular Health: Arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids, particularly prostaglandins and thromboxanes, are involved in regulating vascular tone, blood clotting, and platelet aggregation, which are important for cardiovascular health.
• Neurological Function: Arachidonic acid is important for normal brain development and function, and alterations in its metabolism have been implicated in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and depression.

Clinical Issues:

• Inflammatory Diseases: Dysregulation of arachidonic acid metabolism and excessive production of eicosanoids have been associated with various inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease.
• Cardiovascular Disorders: Imbalance in arachidonic acid-derived eicosanoids can contribute to cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis.
• Neurological Disorders: Altered arachidonic acid metabolism in the brain has been implicated in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and mood disorders.
• Dietary Considerations: The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, including arachidonic acid, in the diet has been implicated in the development of chronic diseases. Maintaining a balanced intake of these fatty acids is important for overall health.
• Regulation of Eicosanoid Production: Drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective COX-2 inhibitors target enzymes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism to alleviate inflammation and pain.