Eicosanoid Hormones

Main thing

Eicosanoid hormones are vital signaling molecules in the body, derived from fatty acids and essential for managing inflammation, pain, and other critical functions. These hormones include:

• Prostaglandins: They regulate inflammation, pain, and fever, and also control the contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle. For example, prostaglandins can cause the uterus to contract during childbirth.

• Thromboxanes: These are important for blood clotting and reducing blood flow to damaged areas. For instance, thromboxanes help form clots to prevent excessive bleeding when you get a cut.

• Leukotrienes: They are involved in immune responses, particularly in allergic reactions and asthma. Leukotrienes can cause the airways to constrict during an asthma attack.

• Lipoxins: These generally act to resolve inflammation and promote healing. Lipoxins can help to dampen the inflammatory response after its initial phase.

• Resolvins: Similar to lipoxins, resolvins are involved in terminating the inflammatory response and initiating healing processes.

Eicosanoids are produced in various cells throughout the body from arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in cell membranes. They are synthesized on demand and act locally at the site of their production, which is why they are not considered traditional hormones that travel through the bloodstream.

Example: When you have an asthma attack, leukotrienes produced in the lungs cause the airways to narrow, making it hard to breathe.

Terms

• Hormone: A chemical messenger that regulates physiological processes. Example: Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.

• Inflammation: A protective response of the body to injury or infection, often causing redness, heat, swelling, and pain. Example: The redness and swelling after a bee sting is due to inflammation.

• Omega-6 fatty acid: A type of polyunsaturated fat found in various foods and used to make eicosanoids. Example: Linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, is found in vegetable oils and nuts.

• Fatty acids: The building blocks of fats in our diet and bodies. Example: Arachidonic acid is a fatty acid that serves as a precursor to eicosanoids.

An analogy

Think of eicosanoid hormones like local emergency responders at the site of an injury or infection. They quickly arrive, assess the situation, and take immediate action to start the healing process or fight off invaders.

A main misconception

Many people think all inflammation is bad. However, eicosanoid hormones show us that inflammation is a crucial part of healing. Without the inflammatory response initiated by eicosanoids, infections and wounds would not heal properly.Example: Swelling and redness after a cut are signs of eicosanoid hormones at work, not just symptoms of injury.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Managing pain with NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen block the production of certain prostaglandins, reducing pain and inflammation.

2. Asthma treatment with leukotriene receptor antagonists: Montelukast is a medication that blocks the action of leukotrienes, helping to control asthma symptoms by preventing airway constriction.

3. Ensuring dietary intake of essential fatty acids: Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, can influence the types of eicosanoids produced, potentially leading to less inflammatory responses and better overall health.

Interesting facts

• Omega-3 fatty acids can lead to the production of less inflammatory eicosanoids.

• Aspirin works by inhibiting the enzymes that produce prostaglandins.

• Eicosanoids are involved in the process of labor and childbirth.

• Certain eicosanoids can promote cancer growth, while others can inhibit it.

• The balance of eicosanoids in the body is crucial for maintaining health.