Biosensors for Characterization and Correction of Thrombosis and Hemostasis. Assay of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids, Precursors of Prostanoids

This chapter describes biosensors for characterization and correction of thrombosis and hemostasis. A large group of cardio-vascular pathologies are related to the platelets aggregation. This process in the blood system is much defined by the synthesis of two antagonistic prostanoids: thromboxane (T X A 2 ) and prostacyclines (PGI). The precursors of prostanoids are polyunsaturated C-20 fatty acids. It is showed that in myocardial infarction, the blood plasma is far more enriched with arachidonic (C-20:4) acid compared to (C-20:3) and (C-20:5) acids. The level and ratio of C-20 polyunsaturated fatty acids in human organism are much dependent on the diet. A proper diet can notably correct the platelet aggregation processes. In view of this, it proves important to solve the problems of: (1) quantifying C-20 polyunsaturated fatty acids in human blood plasma; (2) quantifying C-20 polyunsaturated fatty acids in foods; (3) discriminating between C-20:3, C-20:4, and C-20:5 acids. To this end, two biosensors have been devised that enable to determine the range of C-20 polyansaturated fatty acids and to quantify selectively C-20:3 acid. These biosensors are based on application of prostaglandin-Hsynthetase from vesicular glands of animals as well as of vegetal lipooxygenase.