ABSTRACT
Eicosanoid is an umbrella term used to describe any oxygenated derivative of arachidonic acid (eicosatetraenoic acid, C20:4, ω-6). These molecules can be generated in vivo either enzymatically, through the action of cyclooxygenases (COX) and lipoxygenases (LO), or nonenzymatically via free radical-induced lipid peroxidation. Many eicosanoids are important mediators of human physiology and pathophysiology. This chapter focuses on the generation of eicosanoids in inammation and the utility of measuring urinary metabolites as biomarkers to monitor formation of these molecules in humans.
