The chemistry of arachidonic acid oxygenation by prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase

Abstract

Prostaglandins are an important class of bioactive lipids derived from arachidonic acid. The different classes of prostaglandins are produced from a common intermediate, called prostaglandin H₂. Prostaglandin H₂ is produced by reduction of the initial oxygenation product, prostaglandin G₂, which contains cyclic peroxide and hydroperoxide functionalities. Extensive experimentation has established that arachidonic acid is oxygenated to prostaglandin G₂ via a free radical mechanism. This review describes the key steps in the oxygenation of arachidonic acid and the evidence that supports the most widely accepted mechanism.