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Eicosanoids

Meaning

Eicosanoids are a diverse class of powerful, localized signaling molecules derived from 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid, which mediate crucial physiological responses like inflammation, fever, and blood vessel tone. These lipid mediators act as autocrine and paracrine agents, exerting potent, short-lived effects on nearby cells to regulate local tissue processes. Their balance is intrinsically linked to hormonal health, as they dictate the systemic inflammatory tone that can profoundly influence endocrine function and metabolic signaling.