Disturbed synthesis of eicosanoids in patients with metabolic syndrome

: The work was designed to study levels of serum prostaglandin F1a (6-keto-PGF1a), thromboxane B2, and leukotriene B4 (LTB4)--stable products of cyclooxygenase and lipogenase-catalyzed reactions of arachidonic acid, in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) differing in glucose homeostasis. It was shown that MS is associated with excess production of anti-inflammatory oxilipines (LTB4) regardless of the presence or absence of insulin resistance. LTB4 are known to influence inflammatory processes due to compensatory synthesis of vasodilating eicosanoids (6-keto-PGF1a) that antagonize vasoconctriction and inflammation. Combination of MS with insulin resistance in patients with elevated LTB4 and 6-keto-PGF1a levels is associated with enhanced synthesis of thromboxane A2 responsible for vasoconstriction, platelet formation, and development of endothelial dysfunction. The study suggests disturbed synthesis of eicosanoids in patients with MS and their important role in pathogenesis of this condition.