(±) 5-HEPE

(±) 5-HEPE is produced by non-enzymatic oxidation of EPA. It contains equal amounts of 5 (S) -HEPE and 5 (R) -HEPE. The biological activity of (±) 5-HEPE is likely mediated by one of the individual isomers, most commonly the 5 (S) isomer in mammalian systems. EPA can be metabolized to 5-HEPE in human and bovine neutrophils, and human eosinophils, which is further metabolized to 5-oxoEPE and LTB5. The 5-series metabolites of EPA, namely 5-HEPE, 5-oxoEPE, and LTB5, have significantly decreased biological effects compared to the arachidonic acid-derived metabolites.