Soy flour as an alternative to purified lipoxygenase for the enzymatic synthesis of resolvin analogues.

Specialized pro-resolving mediators are lipid signaling molecules synthesized from omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which promote the resolution of the inflammatory response. They are potential drug targets for the treatment of numerous conditions linked with uncontrolled inflammation. Many of these mediators can be effectively synthesized using enzymes, such as lipoxygenases.

Controlled formation of mono- and dihydroxy-resolvins from EPA and DHA using soybean 15-lipoxygenase.

Resolvins and protectins are important anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution compounds derived from the enzymatic oxidation of omega-3 fatty acids all-cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and all-cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We have developed a simple, controlled method to synthesize an array of resolvin and protectin analogs from fatty acid starting materials using soybean 15-lipoxygenase. The conditions were optimized for the production of both mono- and dihydroxy derivatives, with enzyme concentration and pH found to have a significant effect on the reaction products.