leukotreenejä

Leukotrienes are a group of biologically active lipid mediators that are derived from arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. They are produced by the metabolism of arachidonic acid through the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. Leukotrienes play a significant role in various physiological and pathological processes, including inflammation, allergy, and asthma.

There are three main classes of leukotrienes: LTAs, LTBs, and LTCs. LTAs are the immediate products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway and are rapidly converted to LTBs by the enzyme LTA4 hydrolase. LTBs are biologically inactive but can be converted to LTCs by the enzyme LTC4 synthase. LTCs are the most biologically active class of leukotrienes and are further metabolized to LTDs and LTEs by the enzymes LTC4 sulfotransferase and LTD4 sulfotransferase, respectively.

Leukotrienes exert their effects through specific receptors, known as leukotriene receptors, which are found on various cell types, including immune cells, smooth muscle cells, and epithelial cells. The activation of leukotriene receptors leads to the activation of intracellular signaling pathways, resulting in the modulation of cellular functions such as proliferation, migration, and secretion.

Leukotrienes have been the subject of extensive research due to their involvement in various diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. The development of leukotriene receptor antagonists and inhibitors of leukotriene synthesis has provided new therapeutic options for the treatment of these conditions. However, the complex biology of leukotrienes and their receptors continues to be an active area of research, with the potential for the discovery of new therapeutic targets.