Arachidonic acids are converted to eicosanoid mediators by different enzyme systems: cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenase pathways (ω/ω-1-hydroxylases and epoxygenases). Of 57 putatively functional human CYPs, only about a dozen enzymes are responsible for xenobiotic metabolism. CYP2 family is the predominant epoxygenase isoform abundantly expressed in the endothelium, myocardium, and kidney in humans. Numerous studies have demonstrated the cardiovascular protective effects of CYP epoxygenases and eicosatrienoic acids ranging from vasodilation, antihypertensive, proangiogenesis, antiatherosclerosis, and cardiac protection. The roles of CYP2 family and their metabolites in inflammation and cancer biology have recently attracted great attention. Here, we review the recent progress on polymorphisms, distribution and function of CYP2 family, and their roles in inflammation and cancer.
Keywords: Arachidonic acids; CYP2; Cancer; Cytochrome P450; Inflammation.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.