Question

Does epoxidation play a role in metabolism?

Answer 1

Epoxidation plays a role in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and polyaromatic hydrocarbons.

Explanation:

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs)

Cytochrome P450 epoxygenase converts PUFas such as arachidonic acid into epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs)

(from ajpcell.physiology.org)

The EETs are signaling molecules that dilate the blood vessels, prevent inflammation, help dissolve blood clots, and act as pain killers.

Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Benzopyrene is a typical example of a PAH that is contained in tobacco smoke.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Benzo(a)pyrene_metabolismsvg/540px-Benzo(a)pyrene_metabolismsvgpng

Benzopyrene indirectly induces an enzyme that converts PAHs to epoxides.

These epoxides can insert themselves into DNA and cause carcinogenic damage.

(from pdbj.org}