Inflammatory and eicosanoid pathways

The inflammatory and eicosanoid pathways represent a complex network of lipid signaling molecules derived primarily from arachidonic acid through the action of cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX), and cytochrome P450 enzymes (StatPearls, 2023). These pathways produce bioactive mediators such as prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes, which function as local hormones to regulate physiological processes including inflammation, fever, pain, and vascular tone (Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 2019). Dysregulation of eicosanoid signaling is a central driver in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, as well as respiratory conditions like asthma and cardiovascular disorders (Journal of Lipid Research, 2015). Therapeutic intervention typically targets specific enzymes within the cascade, such as COX-1 and COX-2 by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or targets downstream receptors like the cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (Pharmacological Reviews, 2011). While highly effective for pain and inflammation management, modulating these pathways carries significant risks, including gastrointestinal toxicity and adverse cardiovascular events, due to the diverse homeostatic roles of eicosanoids (NIH/NCBI, 2022). Consequently, drug development in this area focuses on increasing selectivity for specific pathway components to minimize off-target effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.

Other names

Arachidonic acid cascadeEicosanoid signaling pathwayProstanoid and leukotriene pathwaysArachidonic acid metabolism

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, and antagonism of leukotriene receptors.