Leukotrienes are chemical messengers that powerfully activate the immune response. These molecules are formed from the breakdown of arachidonic acid<\/a> (AA), a fatty acid component of cell membranes that acts as a precursor for a variety of inflammatory chemicals.<\/p>\n More specifically, the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase<\/a> (5-LOX) converts arachidonic acid into leukotriene A4 (LTA4) in white blood cells<\/a>.<\/p>\n Depending on the enzymes present in the cell, LTA4 is then converted into two main types of leukotrienes<\/strong>:<\/p>\n During inflammation or tissue injury, arachidonic acid is released from the cell membranes by the enzyme cPLA2<\/a> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The free arachidonic acid can then be broken down for the production of leukotrienes or prostaglandins [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Source: [R<\/a>]<\/p>\n In the lipoxygenase pathway (LOX), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (along with other enzymes) converts arachidonic acid into two types of leukotrienes: leukotriene B4<\/strong> and cysteinyl leukotrienes <\/strong>(comprising leukotriene C4,<\/strong> D4, and E4<\/strong>) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The 5-Lipoxygenase Pathway [R<\/a>]<\/p>\n Leukotriene B4 has several functions during inflammation and immune defense.<\/p>\n Leukotriene B4 recruits white blood cells<\/strong> (neutrophils, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells<\/a>) to sites of inflammation and injury by binding to its receptor (BLT1) on these cells [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In response to infections and allergic reactions, immune cells (mast cells) release leukotrienes, which attract white blood cells (neutrophils and CD8+ T cells) to the affected areas [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In human white blood cells, leukotriene B4 stimulates the production of molecules with powerful antimicrobial effects <\/strong>(e.g., \u03b1-defensins) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Aside from clearing away bacteria and viruses, these molecules also increase the production of leukotriene B4 [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice infected with influenza A virus, leukotriene B4 significantly reduced the amount of the virus in the lung by stimulating the release of antimicrobial proteins [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Similarly, in a clinical trial on 23 healthy people, spray application of leukotriene B4 in the nose increased the production of myeloperoxidase<\/a> (MPO) and other antimicrobial proteins after 4 hours [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Additionally, in cell-based studies, white blood cells (neutrophils) activated by leukotriene B4 effectively killed several viruses [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n However, in another clinical trial study in 18 healthy people infected with the virus HRV-16, leukotriene B4 failed to reduce the incidence of common cold and its symptoms after 6 days [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotriene B4 can also enhance phagocytosis<\/strong>, or the engulfment of bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms by white blood cells (e.g., macrophages). It does this by binding to its receptor on these cells and activating cellular signals that initiate the process [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In turn, the activated immune cells attract more cells that produce leukotriene B4, resulting in more activated immune cells [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotriene B4 also suppresses the action of another fat messenger (PGE2<\/a>) in blocking phagocytosis [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n PPAR\u03b1<\/a> is a protein that promotes the production of enzymes involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and their derivatives, like leukotriene B4. Because leukotriene B4 activates PPAR\u03b1, its interaction with this protein controls the inflammatory response by reducing its duration [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotriene B4 binds to its receptor (BLT1) on dendritic cells (white blood cells that capture and digest foreign substances). This leads to the increased production of IL-12<\/a>, which is required for the development of Th1<\/a> immunity [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Cysteinyl leukotrienes (leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4) are mostly known for their powerful ability to constrict the airways, increase mucus production, and promote swelling and inflammation in the lungs, which worsens asthma symptoms.<\/p>\n Inhaling leukotriene E4 increased the number of white blood cells (eosinophils and neutrophils) in the mucous lining of the airways<\/strong> after 4 hours in patients with asthma [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In a cell-based study, cytokines IL-4<\/a> and IL-13<\/a> increased the production of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLT1) in human monocytes<\/a> and lung macrophages (white blood cells that capture and \u201ceat\u201d foreign and harmful substances) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Receptors for cysteinyl leukotrienes are also highly concentrated in white blood cells (eosinophils and mast cells) from nose tissues of patients with hay fever and nose inflammation [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Similarly, the production of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLT1) is increased in white blood cells from people with aspirin-sensitive chronic nose inflammation (rhinosinusitis) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotrienes D4 and E4 trigger the release of IL-4<\/a> by eosinophils (white blood cells that fight viral and parasitic infections and cause allergic symptoms). Molecules that block cysteinyl receptors (CysLT1) prevent the production of this cytokine [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Mast cells (white blood cells involved in allergic reactions) also release various cytokines including IL-5<\/a> and TNF-\u03b1<\/a> in response to leukotriene C4 and E4 stimulation [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotrienes C4 and D4 restored the migration of dendritic cells <\/strong>(white blood cells that scavenge foreign substances) in mice lacking a protein that transports leukotriene C4 outside the cell after its synthesis [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In asthmatic mice, cysteinyl leukotrienes triggered a Th2<\/a> response in the lungs by increasing IL-5 production from dendritic cells [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice deficient in either the enzyme that makes cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4S) or receptors for cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT1), blood vessel leakage was reduced by 50%. These results indicate the involvement of cysteinyl leukotrienes in increasing blood vessel leakiness [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n By binding to cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLT1) on blood and bone marrow cells, leukotriene D4 stimulates the formation of eosinophils (white blood cells involved in parasitic and allergic reactions) <\/strong>[R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice, the addition of leukotrienes B4, C4, and D4 to bone marrow cells previously treated with blockers of leukotriene production restored the formation of various types of white blood cells [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Cysteinyl leukotrienes can also override the inhibition of white blood cell<\/a> (eosinophil) production by other inflammatory molecules (prostaglandin E2) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Bone mass is maintained by a balance between bone formation and bone loss. During bone loss, cells called osteoclasts break down bone tissue and release its minerals, including calcium<\/a>, into the blood. In cell-based studies, the addition of leukotrienes B4 and D4 to osteoclasts from birds enhanced the bone loss activity of these cells [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Additionally, leukotriene B4 promoted the production of functional osteoclasts in human white blood cells [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotrienes of all types were also involved in osteoclast recruitment and production during bone loss activity in mice [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n When formed excessively or inappropriately, leukotrienes can be involved in the onset or maintenance of chronic inflammatory diseases.<\/p>\n People with asthma are very sensitive to breathing in cysteinyl leukotrienes C4, D4, and E4. These molecules narrow the airways, increase mucus production, and promote blood vessel leakiness in the lungs [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In addition, they recruit inflammatory cells (eosinophils) that are involved in the development of asthma into the mucus lining of the airways [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotriene B4 also worsens asthma symptoms<\/strong>. Although it does not constrict the airways, leukotriene B4 causes fluid buildup and increases mucus secretion, thereby reducing the inner width of the airways [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It is found in high concentration in the breath samples of patients with severe and chronic asthma [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n CD8+<\/a> T cells play a role in the development of airway constriction and inflammation. A subset of these cells containing the leukotriene B4 receptor (BLT1) has been identified in lung tissue of patients with asthma, indicating an involvement of leukotriene B4 in asthma [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Furthermore, in two clinical trials on 50 people, a drug (zileuton) that inhibits the enzyme that makes leukotrienes (5-LOX) improved symptoms in those with asthma [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n People with hay fever (allergic rhinitis) show increased levels of all types of leukotrienes in their nose and breath [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In addition, white blood cells from patients with asthma produce more leukotriene B4 and C4 than those from healthy individuals [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Furthermore, drugs that inhibit the enzyme that makes leukotrienes (5-LOX) in people with seasonal allergies reduced symptoms and leukotriene B4 levels [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n People with chronic sinus infections also respond favorably to drugs that block cysteinyl leukotriene receptors [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Both types of leukotrienes are involved in the development of eczema. Leukotriene B4 recruits inflammatory cells to the skin (neutrophils, eosinophils, and Th2 cells), while cysteinyl leukotrienes cause skin scarring [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Additionally, high levels of leukotriene B4 and C4 are found in skin lesions of people with eczema [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice with eczema, scratching triggers allergic skin inflammation<\/a>, which is mediated by leukotriene B4 binding to its receptor [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotriene B4 also causes white blood cells to migrate to the mucus lining of the outer eye. This may partly explain why leukotriene B4 levels are higher in the tears of patients with seasonal allergic pink eye [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The mucus-secreting cells of the rat and human eye contain receptors for cysteinyl leukotrienes. When stimulated by leukotriene D4, these cells secrete mucus, which is carried to the eye surface. This activity may play a role in allergic eye conditions [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Treatments for allergic conjunctivitis include:<\/p>\n In anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs after exposure to an allergen, the increase in blood vessel leakiness is essential, as it enhances the transport of molecules promoting the reaction (leukotrienes, prostaglandins, histamine) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Mice lacking the main receptors for cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLT1) showed reduced blood vessel leakiness during skin allergic reactions. This response was increased in mice producing high levels of another type of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLT2) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotriene B4 is produced in plaques (build-up of cholesterol, fat, and calcium) inside the arteries [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In addition, patients with heart disease have higher levels of leukotriene E4 in the urine [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Furthermore, deficiencies in enzymes involved in leukotriene production, as well as treatment with drugs that block these enzymes, prevented artery hardening in mice <\/strong>[R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The production of all the enzymes involved in the leukotriene pathway is increased in cells located in the arterial walls of patients with hardening of the arteries [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In mice fed a high-fat diet, deletion of the enzyme that initiates the production of leukotrienes (5-LOX) protected against an aortic aneurysm (a bulge in the wall of the aorta). However, these effects disappeared under a normal diet [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Both the deletion of the leukotriene B4 receptor (BLT1) and treatment with a drug that blocks this receptor prevented the early development of an aneurysm in mice [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n The production of cysteinyl leukotrienes is higher in the wall of human stomach aortic aneurysms (enlargements of the stomach aorta). This causes the release of enzymes involved in the development and rupture of aneurysms [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Similarly, elevated levels of cysteinyl leukotrienes have been observed in both mice and human patients after brain ischemia<\/a> [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In rats, immune cells (macrophages) producing leukotriene B4 damaged blood vessels in the lungs. This effect was prevented by blocking the leukotriene B4 receptor [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n High levels of cysteinyl leukotrienes were found in newborns with high blood pressure in the lungs. A poor clinical outcome after diagnosis was linked to high levels of leukotrienes B4, C4, and E4 [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Leukotriene production is activated in people with aortic valve narrowing (stenosis). Its inflammatory role increases the severity of this disease [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n\n
<\/a>Leukotriene Production<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Arachidonic](\"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/10\/arachidonic-acid-pathway.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n<\/a>Lipoxygenase Pathway<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Lipoxygenase](\"https:\/\/selfhacked.com\/app\/uploads\/2019\/10\/lipoxygenase-pathway.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n<\/a>Functions of Leukotriene B4 (LTB4)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>1) Promotes the Migration of White Blood Cells<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2) Boosts Antimicrobial Defense<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>3) Determines the Duration of Inflammatory Responses<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>4) Activates the Immune Response<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Functions of Cysteinyl Leukotrienes (CysLT)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>1) Recruit White Blood Cells<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2) Trigger Cytokine Production<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>3) Required for Immune Cell Transport and Function<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>4) Promote Blood Vessel Leakiness<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Other Functions of Leukotrienes<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>1) Enhance the Formation of White Blood Cells<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2) Bone Loss<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Leukotrienes and Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>1) Asthma<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2) Allergies<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
<\/a>3) Heart Disease<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n