About the structure and biological function of oxiEPE
Structure. Oxidized eicosapentaenoic acids (oxiEPE) belong to the group of eicosanoids within the fatty acyls. Their structure is based on eicosanoic acid, a twenty carbon atoms long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group. The chain contains five double bonds, from which their name derives. OxiEPE may further encompass multiple hydroxy groups as well as other oxygen containing substituents.
Function. The biological role of oxidized eicosapentaenoic acids is mainly associated with countering some of the diverse biological functions of eicosatetraenoic acids through inhibiting their biosynthesis. But oxiEPEs also modify the immune system, impact sugar metabolism, and inflammation. Oxidized eicosapentaenoic acids are biosynthetic intermediates to a variety of other eicosanoid lipids and docosanoids. Further, oxiEPE lipids may be responsible for some of the beneficial effects linked to dietary omega-3 fatty acids.
