The interaction Between Arachidonic Acid Metabolism and Homocysteine.

PURPOSE Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been considered a risk factor for different diseases including cardiovascular disease (CVD), inflammation, neurological diseases, cancer and many other pathological conditions. Likewise, arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism is implicated in both vascular homeostasis and inflammation as shown by the development of CVD following the imbalance of its metabolites. AIM OF THE REVIEW This review summarizes how homocysteine (Hcy) can influence the metabolism of AA. METHODS In silico literature searches were performed on PubMed and Scopus as main sources. RESULTS Several studies have shown that altered levels of Hcy, through AA release and metabolism, can influence the synthesis and the activity of prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin (PGI₂), thromboxane (TXA), epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs). CONCLUSIONS We believe that by targeting Hcy in AA pathways, novel compounds with better pharmacological and pharmacodynamics benefits may be obtained and that this information is valuable for dietician to manipulate diets to improve health.