Role of 15- Lipoxygenase and 15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid on Pulmonary arterial hypertension

 

Lipoxygenases belong to the iron-containing enzyme family, which are known to catalyze that dioxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. These lipoxygenases are found in animals, fungi, and plants.

 

Recent study shows that 15-lipoxygenase and 15-hydroeicosatetraenoic acid have a crucial role in pulmonary arterial hypertension by acting on the arterial walls. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by thickening of pulmonary walls and increased vascular resistance leading to heart failure.

 

The study conducted by Shen et al shows that the action of 15- lipoxygenase and 15-hydroeicosatetraenoic acid signaling in pulmonary thrombotic lesions in the experimental models of Pulmonary arterial hypertension. Rats exposed to hypoxia and Sugen5416 showed platelet deposition. The 15-lipoxygenase pathway was mediated in the endothelial dysfunction, which was induced by hypoxia.

 

The 15- lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) reversed the platelet activation and coagulation, which was induced by hypoxia. Thus, it shows that 15-lipoxygenase and 15- hydroeicosatetraenoic acid signaling promoted the platelet activation and coagulation suggesting their role in pulmonary vascular thrombosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension.