How Do You Spell EICOSANOIDS?

Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪkəsˌanɔ͡ɪdz] (IPA)

Eicosanoids are a group of signaling molecules derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids. The word is spelled with the prefix "eico-", taken from the Greek word for twenty, due to the fact that the fatty acid chains containing the precursors to these molecules typically contain twenty carbon atoms. The second part of the word is "-sanoid", which is derived from the word 'agonist' meaning something which binds to receptors. The IPA transcription for eicosanoids is /aɪ-kəʊ-ˈsæn-ɔɪdz/.

EICOSANOIDS Meaning and Definition

1. Eicosanoids are a group of biologically active molecules that are derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly arachidonic acid. These molecules play diverse roles in various physiological processes and are involved in inflammation, immune response, blood clotting, and regulation of blood pressure, among many other functions.

   Eicosanoids are classified into distinct types, including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. Prostaglandins are involved in inflammation, pain, and fever regulation, and they also facilitate smooth muscle contraction and relaxation. Thromboxanes are primarily associated with blood platelet activation and aggregation, playing a critical role in blood clotting. Leukotrienes are involved in inflammation, especially in allergic reactions and respiratory disorders, by promoting the constriction of smooth muscles in the airways and increasing vascular permeability.

   The production of eicosanoids is tightly regulated by various enzymes, including cyclooxygenases (COX) and lipoxygenases (LOX) which catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid into biologically active eicosanoids. The actions of eicosanoids are highly localized, as they are rapidly metabolized and have short half-lives. They act as local mediators and signaling molecules, binding to specific receptors on target cells to elicit their effects.

   Overall, eicosanoids are crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the body and are involved in various physiological processes. Their dysregulation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including inflammation-related disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Common Misspellings for EICOSANOIDS

• eicossanoids

Etymology of EICOSANOIDS

The word "eicosanoid" is derived from the Greek word "eikosi" meaning "twenty" and the word "oid" meaning "like" or "resembling". The term was coined to represent a group of biologically active lipids derived from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids. These compounds are important in various physiological and pathological processes in the body, such as inflammation, blood clotting, and immune response.