17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EEQ) (17,18-EEQ)

17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EEQ) is a bioactive lipid metabolite derived from the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) via cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases (PubChem CID 5280958). It serves as a potent signaling molecule with significant anti-inflammatory, anti-arrhythmic, and vasodilatory properties. In the cardiovascular system, 17,18-EEQ helps regulate vascular tone and protects against arrhythmias by modulating ion channel activity, specifically by activating large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels (Arnold et al., 2010, J Biol Chem). It also plays a role in resolving inflammation and has been shown to reduce airway hyperreactivity in asthma models (Morisseau & Hammock, 2013, Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol). While not a protein target itself, 17,18-EEQ acts as an endogenous ligand for receptors such as GPR40 (FFAR1) (Theilig et al., 2016, Mol Pharmacol). Therapeutic strategies often focus on increasing its bioavailability, either through the inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH)—the enzyme responsible for its degradation—or through the development of stable synthetic analogs for treating cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

Other names

17,18-EpETE17(18)-EpETE17,18-epoxy-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid17,18-epoxy-EPA

Acts as an endogenous lipid mediator that activates G protein-coupled receptors such as GPR40 (FFAR1) and modulates the activity of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels to induce vasorelaxation and stabilize cardiac rhythm.