(±)12(13)-DiHOME is the diol form of (±)12(13)-EpOME , a cytochrome P450-derived epoxide of linoleic acid also known as isoleukotoxin. [1] It is formed from 12(13)-EpOME by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) in neutrophils. [2] 12(13)-DiHOME is toxic to Sf21 cells expressing sEH and to lacZ-expressing control cells, unlike isoleukotoxin, which is only toxic to cells containing sEH.[1] [2] Levels of 12(13)-DiHOME are increased in rat spinal cord following burn injury, and it enhances cold tolerance, increases fatty acid uptake into brown adipocytes, and decreases serum triglyceride levels in mice. Levels are also elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in humans following exposure to biodiesel exhaust and in exhaled breath condensate in patients with allergic asthma following allergen exposure.[5] [6] Plasma levels of 12(13)-DiHOME are increased immediately following moderate-intensity exercise in mice and humans, an effect that can be prevented by brown adipose tissue removal in the mouse.[7]
Cytochrome P450 metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids produces numerous bioactive epoxide regioisomers. (±)10(11)-EpDPA is a docosahexaenoic acid epoxygenase metabolite, derived via epoxidation of the 10,11-double bond of DHA. It has been detected in rat brain and spinal cord, as well as human serum, and acts as a substrate for soluble epoxide hydrolase with a Km value of 5.1 μM. (±)10(11)-EpDPA and other epoxy metabolites of DHA are reported to demonstrate antihyperalgesic activity in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models and to potently inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth in in vitro assays.