Molecular Classification
Eicosanoid, Hydroxy monocarboxylic acid, HETE (hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids), Lipid Metabolite
Other Names
20-hydroxy-5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid, 20-hydroxy arachidonic acid, 20-hydroxyarachidonic acid
Disease Roles
HypertensionRenovascular diseaseGlomerular injury

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid Overview

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is a potent vasoactive eicosanoid derived from arachidonic acid. It plays a crucial role in regulating vascular tone, blood flow, and sodium/fluid transport, particularly in the kidneys and brain. Its synthesis is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP4A and CYP4F). 20-HETE interacts with GPR75. Dysregulation of 20-HETE production or signaling is implicated in various diseases, including hypertension, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. It represents a potential therapeutic target for managing these conditions.

Mechanism of Action

Acts as a potent vasoconstrictor in renal, cerebral, mesenteric arteries by depolarizing vascular smooth muscle cells through inhibition of Ca²⁺–activated K⁺ channels and direct effects on L-type Ca²⁺ channels. High-affinity receptor identified as GPR75. The interaction between 20-HETE and GPR75 mediates many downstream bioactions

Biological Functions

Vascular tone regulation
Blood flow regulation
Sodium and fluid transport regulation
Vascular remodeling
Vasoconstriction
GPR75 signaling

Disease Associations

Hypertension
Renovascular disease
Glomerular injury
Ischemia/reperfusion injury
Polycystic kidney disease
Stroke
Neurovascular dysfunction
Metabolic syndrome
Diabetes
Breast cancer
Hereditary spastic paraplegia
Cardiovascular disease

Safety Considerations

  • Overproduction linked to hypertension-induced glomerular injury and renovascular disease states
  • May contribute to certain cancers
  • Deficiency associated with stroke risk/neurovascular dysfunctions
  • Implicated in metabolic syndrome/diabetes development/progression
  • Loss-of-function mutations can cause hereditary spastic paraplegia

Interacting Drugs

Angiotensin II
Endothelin
Norepinephrine
Nitric Oxide

Associated Biomarkers

Biomarker
Urinary 20-HETE levels
Blood pressure changes
Vascular function