10-Nitrolinoleate is the product of nitration of linoleate by NO-derived reactive species. Other nitrolinoleates detected in human plasma and urine include 9-, 12-, and 13-nitrolinoleate. Nitrolinoleates activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ; Ki = 133 nM), inducing CD36 expression in macrophages, adipocyte differentiation, and glucose uptake. Nitrolinoleates can also be metabolized by smooth muscle cells to produce nitrite derivatives which in turn form NO, leading to increased cGMP production and smooth muscle relaxation. Through the same mechanism, nitrolinoleate-derived NO suppresses leukocyte adhesion, in part through nitrosation of CD40. Alteratively, nitrolinoleates can act independently of NO/cGMP and PPARγ signaling to suppress neutrophil and macrophage functions.
