Lipid mediators
Metabolites of arachidonic acid (eicosanoids) but also derivatives of ω-3 fatty acids play an essential role as lipid mediators in numerous pathobiochemical processes such as inflammation, allergies and asthma. In addition, they are involved in the development and progression of diseases such as carcinogenesis and atherosclerosis and often have opposing effects. The extent of lipid biosynthesis, which can be influenced by the action of potential modulators, can be monitored in stimulated human whole blood. An inhibition or stimulation of the formation of metabolites, which arise in particular in the lipoxygenase or cyclooxygenase pathway, is determined using a sample processing developed in the working group with subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis. Various novel nitrogen-containing heterocycles, in particular 1-phenyl-5,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazoles, have been characterized as modulators of biosynthesis. Physicochemical properties such as solubility and lipophilicity have a decisive influence on postulated activity. In addition to computer-based methods for estimating these properties, HPLC analysis is particularly used.