Arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone

Arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone

Arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (ATFMK) is a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It is a synthetic analogue of arachidonic acid, a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, which is involved in the biosynthesis of eicosanoids.

Chemistry

ATFMK is a trifluoromethyl ketone, a type of organic compound characterized by the presence of a trifluoromethyl group (-CF3) and a ketone functional group (C=O). The arachidonyl part of the molecule is derived from arachidonic acid, which has 20 carbon atoms and four double bonds.

Pharmacology

ATFMK acts as a selective inhibitor of COX-2, an enzyme that plays a key role in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins and other eicosanoids. These substances are involved in various physiological processes, including inflammation and pain sensation. By inhibiting COX-2, ATFMK can reduce the production of these substances and thus have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Research

Research on ATFMK has focused on its potential use in the treatment of conditions associated with inflammation and pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Studies have also investigated its effects on cancer cells, as COX-2 is often overexpressed in these cells and its inhibition can potentially slow down their growth.

See also

• Cyclooxygenase
• Arachidonic acid
• Eicosanoids
• Inflammation
• Pain