Unsaturated fatty acids esterified in glycerophospholipids are abundant components of cell membranes. They can be released by phospholipases, and subsequently converted into oxygenated derivatives by diverse cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase and/or cytochrome P₄₅₀ enzymes. The best known products, i.e. prostanoids, hydroxylated dienes, trienes, and tetraenes, as well as epoxides, are frequently released and act on blood and vascular cells. The present paper briefly reviews these different aspects, pointing out recent developments in the field of docosanoids produced from docosahexaenoic acid.

Practical applications: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are highly oxidizable with multiple possibilities of autoxidation and enzyme‐dependent oxygenation. The present review aims at providing a short and comprehensive overview of the biosynthesis of the main oxygenated products derived from 18, 20, and 22 carbon PUFA with their relevant function in the vascular system. The so‐called octadecanoids, eicosanoids, and docosanoids, respectively, are selected among the numerous isomers because of their recognized biological activities.