Dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) is one of the 20-carbon fatty acids that can be metabolized to prostaglandins and thromboxanes (TXs) by cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 (COX-1/COX-2).1 The result of this metabolism in the human platelet yields TXB1. TXB1 is produced in small amounts when DGLA is added to washed suspensions of human platelets, while the major metabolism of this 1-series fatty acid is via 12-lipoxygenase.2 However, when co-incubated with amounts of ethanol often found in intoxicated humans, the metabolism of DGLA shifts to an enhanced production of TXB1.2 Urinary TXB1 or its metabolites may thus be a specific biomarker of prior ethanol abuse.
1
Levin, G., Duffin, K.L., Obukowicz, M.G., et al. Differential metabolism of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid by cyclo-oxygenase-1 and cyclo-oxygenase-2: Implications for cellular synthesis of prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2. Biochem J365489-496(2002).
2
Manku, M.S., Oka, M., and Horrobin, D.F. Differential regulation of the formation of prostaglandins and related substances from arachidonic acid and from dihomogammalinolenic acid. I. Effects of ethanol.. Prostaglandins Med3(2)119-128(1979).
Levin, G., Duffin, K.L., Obukowicz, M.G., et al. Differential metabolism of dihomo-γ-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid by cyclo-oxygenase-1 and cyclo-oxygenase-2: Implications for cellular synthesis of prostaglandin E1 and prostaglandin E2. Biochem J365489-496(2002).
Manku, M.S., Oka, M., and Horrobin, D.F. Differential regulation of the formation of prostaglandins and related substances from arachidonic acid and from dihomogammalinolenic acid. I. Effects of ethanol.. Prostaglandins Med3(2)119-128(1979).
Thromboxane B1 is available in the following screening
library: