13-HODE Unveiled
An in-depth exploration of 13-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, its metabolic pathways, biological activities, and implications in human health and disease.
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Overview
Chemical Identity
13-Hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid, commonly abbreviated as 13-HODE, specifically refers to 13(S)-hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid. Its production is often accompanied by its stereoisomer, 13(R)-hydroxy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid (13(R)-HODE). The molecule is an 18-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acid derivative with hydroxyl and conjugated double bonds.
Isomeric Forms and Nomenclature
Beyond the primary (S) and (R) forms at the C13 position, other naturally occurring isomers exist, such as the (9E,11E) isomers (13(S)-EE-HODE and 13(R)-EE-HODE). Studies often use the general term "13-HODE" when isomer distinction was not performed. Similar sets of 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (9-HODE) metabolites also occur, particularly under oxidative stress, with overlapping but distinct activities.
Biological Significance
Both 13(S)-HODE and 13(R)-HODE have been associated with various clinically relevant bioactivities. Research suggests these metabolites can mediate physiological and pathological responses, serve as markers for certain human diseases, and potentially contribute to disease progression. Their precise roles are areas of ongoing investigation.
Metabolic Pathways
Enzymatic Synthesis
13-HODEs are primarily synthesized through the action of specific enzymes on linoleic acid:
- 15-Lipoxygenase 1 (15-LOX-1): This enzyme preferentially converts linoleic acid to 13(S)-hydroperoxy-octadecadienoic acid (13(S)-HpODE), which is then reduced to 13(S)-HODE. It can metabolize linoleic acid bound to phospholipids and cholesterol.
- Cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2): COX-2, in particular, metabolizes linoleic acid to 13(S)-HODE, often producing smaller amounts of 9(R)-HODE concurrently.
- Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: These microsomal enzymes convert linoleic acid into a mixture of 13-HODEs and 9-HODEs, typically yielding a predominance of the R-stereoisomer.
- 15-Lipoxygenase 2 (15-LOX-2): While preferring arachidonic acid, this enzyme can also contribute to 13-HODE production from linoleic acid, though less efficiently than 15-LOX-1.
Non-Enzymatic Oxidation
Under conditions of oxidative stress, free radicals and singlet oxygen can non-enzymatically oxidize linoleic acid. These processes generate various hydroperoxides and hydroxy acids, including 13-HpODEs and 13-HODEs. These reactions are thought to produce approximately equal amounts of S and R stereoisomers. Products like 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) can also form from 13-HpODE peroxidation.
Metabolism & Fate
Cellular Incorporation
Following its formation, 13(S)-HODE is rapidly and quantitatively incorporated into cellular phospholipids. It is often esterified at the sn-2 position of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Lower levels of 13(S)-HODE esterified to phospholipids have been observed in psoriatic skin lesions compared to normal skin, suggesting a potential inactivation pathway.
Chain Shortening
13(S)-HODE can undergo metabolism via peroxisome-dependent β-oxidation. This process breaks down the fatty acid chain, producing shorter metabolites (16-, 14-, and 12-carbon products) that are subsequently released from the cell. This pathway may serve to inactivate and eliminate 13(S)-HODE.
Oxidation and Conjugation
13(S)-HODE can be oxidized to 13-oxo-octadecadienoic acid (13-oxoODE) by a specific dehydrogenase enzyme. 13-oxoODE itself has biological activity and may accumulate in tissues. It can also react with glutathione, either non-enzymatically or via glutathione transferase, forming conjugates. These conjugates may be exported from the cell, potentially serving as a mechanism to limit 13-oxoODE activity.
Biological Activities
Receptor Activation
13-HODEs (including 13(S)-HODE, 13(R)-HODE, and 13-oxoODE) interact with key cellular receptors:
- Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPARγ): 13-HODE and related metabolites directly activate PPARγ. This activation is linked to the induction of PPARγ-target genes in monocytes, promoting their differentiation into macrophages.
- Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1): These HODEs stimulate TRPV1, a receptor involved in pain and inflammation signaling. This interaction occurs in neurons and airway epithelial cells and is implicated in pain sensation and airway hyperresponsiveness.
- G Protein-Coupled Receptor 132 (GPR132): 13(S)-HpODE and 13(S)-HODE activate human GPR132, although they are weaker activators compared to their 9-HODE counterparts. The physiological relevance in humans is still under investigation due to species-specific differences in receptor activation.
Cellular Effects
The activities of 13-HODEs translate to significant cellular effects:
- Mitochondrial Degradation: In erythropoiesis (red blood cell development), phospholipid-bound 13(S)-HODE accumulation in mitochondria may increase membrane permeability, triggering degradation and facilitating cell maturation.
- Leukocyte Stimulation: 13-HODEs act as chemoattractants for neutrophils in vitro. They also weakly stimulate natural killer cells, potentially contributing to pro-inflammatory and tissue-injuring actions.
- Apoptosis Regulation: In certain contexts, like macrophages within atherosclerotic plaques, the 13(S)-HODE/PPARγ pathway can induce apoptosis, potentially influencing plaque progression.
Role in Human Diseases
Atherosclerosis
13-HODE is a dominant component found esterified within lipids in atherosclerotic plaques. Its accumulation, particularly the S-isomer early in plaque development, is linked to disease progression. 13(S)-HODE activates PPARγ, leading to increased expression of scavenger receptors (CD36) and adipocyte protein 2 (aP2) on macrophages. This promotes the uptake of oxidized lipids, foam cell formation, and potentially macrophage apoptosis, all contributing to plaque growth. Statins, used to treat atherosclerosis, may exert some effects by inhibiting PPARγ.
Asthma
Elevated 13-HODE levels are found in individuals with asthma. In preclinical models, 13(S)-HODE induces airway hyperresponsiveness and epithelial injury, partly via TRPV1 activation. Eosinophils, key inflammatory cells in asthma, are significant producers of 13-HODE. These findings suggest 13-HODE may play a role in asthma pathogenesis, and TRPV1 inhibitors could be potential therapeutic agents.
Cancer
The role of 13-HODE in cancer is complex and context-dependent:
- Colon Cancer: Reduced levels of 15-LOX-1 and its product, 13-HODE, are associated with the progression of both hereditary (APC/MUTYH) and non-hereditary colon cancers. Conversely, 13(S)-HODE has shown inhibitory effects on colon cancer cell proliferation and survival in vitro and in animal models.
- Breast Cancer: 13(S)-HODE appears to stimulate the proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines in vitro and supports the growth of breast cancer xenografts in mice. Elevated levels correlate with faster-growing tumors.
- Prostate Cancer: Overexpression of 15-LOX-1, leading to increased 13(S)-HODE production, is linked to increased proliferation, survival, vascularization, and metastasis of prostate cancer. Dietary fatty acids influence these processes.
Disease Markers
Potential Biomarkers
Elevated levels of 13-HODE (or total HODEs) have been reported in various conditions associated with oxidative stress, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (in LDL fraction)
- Diabetes (in HDL fraction)
- Polycystic kidney disease and chronic pancreatitis (in serum)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (in plasma)
- Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia (in plasma/erythrocytes)
Limitations and Future
Despite these associations, the clinical utility of HODEs as standalone biomarkers is limited. Factors such as variability in measurement methods, dietary influences (linoleic acid intake), potential formation during sample processing, and lack of absolute disease specificity hinder their widespread use. However, combined with other markers, HODEs might offer value in indicating disease presence, type, or progression in specific contexts.
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