Eicosanoids, other fatty acid metabolites and the cardiovascular system: Are the present antithrombotic approaches rational?

Abstract

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs are currently used as the standard treatment to prevent and treat thrombosis. While this approach is beneficial, it is not optimal. Recent evidence suggests that constituents of the vascular endothelium play an important role in regulating vessel wall thrombogenecity, thereby inhibiting thrombogenesis. These include constituents such as PGI2 tissue plasminogen activator, thrombonodulin and the lipoxygenase fatty acid metabolite derived from ilnoicic acid, 13-hydroxyociadecedichoic acid (13-HODE). Consequently, new strategies have been developed to maximise the use of these agent for antithrombotic therapy. We will review these different approaches, discus..