Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid

Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid

The Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids or EETs are signaling molecules formed by the action of Cytochrome P450 epoxygenase on 20-carbon essential fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, from which it is produced by the enzyme epoxygenase.

These nonclassic eicosanoids act as short-range hormones, (i.e. they are autocrine and paracrine mediators) of the cardiovascular system and kidney. They produce vasorelaxation as well as anti-inflammatory and pro-fibrinolytic effects. EETs are metabolized by the soluble epoxide hydrolase to the corresponding vicinal diol, or dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (DHETs), which are biologically less active.