Role of 15-lipoxygenase/15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension

J Physiol Sci. 2012 May;62(3):163-72. doi: 10.1007/s12576-012-0196-9. Epub 2012 Feb 14.

Abstract

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease with a complex aetiology characterized by elevated pulmonary artery resistance, which leads to right heart ventricular afterload and ultimately progressing to right ventricular failure and often death. In addition to other factors, metabolites of arachidonic acid cascade play an important role in the pulmonary vasculature, and disruption of signaling pathways of arachidonic acid plays a central role in the pathogenesis of PAH. 15-Lipoxygenase (15-LO) is upregulated in pulmonary artery endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of PAH patients, and its metabolite 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE) in particular seems to play a central role in the contractile machinery, and in the initiation and propagation of cell proliferation via its effects on signal pathways, mitogens, and cell cycle components. Here, we focus on our important research into the role played by 15-LO/15-HETE, which promotes a proliferative, antiapoptotic, and vasoconstrictive physiological milieu leading to hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase / metabolism
  • Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase / physiology*
  • Arachidonic Acid / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acids / physiology*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / etiology
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / physiopathology*
  • Hypoxia / complications
  • Hypoxia / physiopathology
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / metabolism
  • Vasoconstriction / drug effects

Substances

  • Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acids
  • Arachidonic Acid
  • 15-hydroxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid
  • Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase