Cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism (CYP450 arachidonic acid-metabolizing enzymes)

Cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in arachidonic acid metabolism constitute a group of monooxygenases—primarily from the CYP2C, CYP2J, CYP4A, and CYP4F subfamilies—responsible for converting arachidonic acid into signaling lipids, including epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs)[2][5][3]. CYP2C and CYP2J isoforms act mainly as epoxygenases producing EETs, which are vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory. CYP4A and CYP4F isoforms function mainly as ω-hydroxylases, generating 20-HETE, a vasoconstrictive and often pro-inflammatory lipid mediator[2][5]. The balance between EETs and HETEs, regulated by CYP activity, affects vascular tone, blood pressure, inflammation, tumorigenesis, and organ function[5][3][4]. Dysregulation of this pathway is linked to hypertension, cardiovascular disease, cancer progression, metabolic and hepatic diseases[5][4]. CYP-derived eicosanoids serve as both disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets, with pharmacologic modulation of their respective CYP isoforms or downstream hydrolases being an area of active drug development[5][3][6].

Other names

Cytochrome P450 epoxygenasesCytochrome P450 ω-hydroxylasesCYP arachidonic acid pathway enzymesCYP2C subfamilyCYP2J subfamilyCYP4A subfamilyCYP4F subfamily

Inhibition of CYP-mediated hydroxylation (blocks 20-HETE formation). Inhibition of CYP-mediated epoxidation (reduces EET formation). Induction or inhibition alters the production of vasoactive or inflammatory eicosanoids. Modulation of bioactive lipid mediator levels (e.g., EETs, HETEs) affecting vascular tone, inflammation, tumor progression[3][2][5]