Factors affecting variability in free oxylipins in mammalian tissues

Purpose of the reviewAlong with the growing interest in oxylipins is an increasing awareness of multiple sources of variability in oxylipin data. This review summarizes recent findings that highlight the experimental and biological sources of variation in free oxylipins.Recent findingsExperimental factors that affect oxylipin variability include different methods of euthanasia, postmortem changes, cell culture reagents, tissue processing conditions and timing, storage losses, freeze-thaw cycles, sample preparation techniques, ion suppression, matrix effects, use and availability of oxylipin standards, and postanalysis procedures. Biological factors include dietary lipids, fasting, supplemental selenium, vitamin A deficiency, dietary antioxidants and the microbiome. Overt, but also more subtle differences in health affect oxylipin levels, including during resolution of inflammation and long-term recovery from disease. Sex, genetic variation, exposure to air pollution and chemicals found in food packaging and household and personal care products, as well as many pharmaceuticals used to treat health conditions also affect oxylipin levels.Experimental sources of oxylipin variability can be minimized with proper analytical procedures and protocol standardization. Fully characterizing study parameters will help delineate biological factors of variability, which are rich sources of information that can be used to probe oxylipin mechanisms of action and to investigate their roles in health.

Automated summary

The review summarizes recent findings on the sources of variability in oxylipin data, including both experimental and biological factors. Experimental factors include various methods and conditions in sample processing and analysis, while biological factors involve dietary factors, health conditions, and environmental exposures. Proper analytical procedures and study protocol standardization can minimize experimental sources of oxylipin variability, and understanding biological factors can enhance our knowledge of oxylipin mechanisms and their roles in health.