Leukotrienes and Inflammation –A Review

Leukotrienes, together with the prostaglandins and other related compounds, are derived from 20 carbon(eicosa) fatty acids that contain double bonds (enoic). Hence this group of substances is called theeicosanoids. The name leukotriene derives original discovery these in white bloodcells (polymorphonuclear leucocytes) fact they all have common 4 (hence the4 subscript), 3 which a conjugated triene structure. Leukotrienes do not exist preformed cells.They formed breakdown arachidonic acid, polyunsaturated carbon acid. In itsesterified form, acid bound to phospholipids cell membranes. Both immunologicaland non-immunological stimuli can release membrane by activatingphospholipase A2. glucocorticosteroid drugs inhibit phospholipase A2 thereby decrease theproduction leukotrienes hence leukotriene-mediated responses. Generally, inflammation leadsto vasodilation, vascular hyperpermeability, increased blood flow recruitment leukocytes inflamedsites. These events cause enhanced production cytokines, chemokines, chemical mediators lipidmediators such as LTs prostaglandins. Acute occurs over short time (seconds, minutesand hours). contrast, chronic long-lasting inflammatory immune response thatoccurs months years results diverse diseases including asthma, allergies, atherosclerosis,arthritis, obesity, cancer age-related AMD. review article we aimed tohighlight evidence implicates physiological function also disease processes.