Biosynthesis of DPAn-3-derived protectins and resolvins

The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ω-3 cis-7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-3) is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and is also a precursor for the production of novel bioactive mediators. The proposed biosynthesis of resolvins and protectins derived from DPAn-3 is described here. 15-lipoxygenase oxygenates DPAn-3 to its 17(S) hydroperoxy epimer from which resolvins and protectins are formed via a combination of oxygenation, reduction and hydrolysis reactions. The products of the ω-3 isomer were characterised based on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-derived resolvins and protectins and were demonstrated to have similar potent systemic anti-inflammatory and tissue protective actions as DHA-derived specialised proresolving mediators (SPMs). The same biosynthetic route as DHA-derived SPMs is probably how DPAn-3 products are also formed.

Summary from Reactome (R-HSA-9026286), read 2026-09-23.