### EPHX3 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** EPHX3  
**Function:** The EPHX3 gene encodes a protein that exhibits epoxide hydrolase activity, playing a crucial role in the hydrolysis of epoxide-containing fatty acids. This gene is essential for the metabolic processing of various epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and leukotoxin.

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### 1. Associated Genes
EPHX3 has not been directly associated with many specific genes; however, it is part of a larger family of epoxide hydrolases, which includes:
- **EPHX1**: Known for similar epoxide hydrolase functions.
- **EPHX2**: Another epoxide hydrolase that interacts with lipid metabolism.
- **CYP450 (Cytochrome P450 Family)**: Genes of this family are involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and other compounds that may interact with EPHX3.

It is worth noting that EPHX3's activity may also intersect with metabolic pathways related to inflammation and vascular functions, which may involve several genes related to these pathways.

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### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
Research suggests that alterations in epoxide hydrolase activity, including that of EPHX3, may play a role in several age-related conditions. Some relevant associations include:

- **Cardiovascular Diseases**: EPHX3 activity impacts endothelial function and vascular tone, and altered EET levels due to defective EPHX3 may contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular pathologies commonly seen in aging.
- **Neurodegenerative Diseases**: The metabolism of fatty acids is essential in neural health, and disturbances in EPHX3 may be linked to neurodegenerative processes, including Alzheimer's disease.
- **Metabolic Syndrome**: Changes in lipid metabolism due to EPHX3 activity could contribute to the onset of metabolic syndrome markers, which are often exacerbated with age.

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### 3. Drug Interactions
Although specific drugs targeting EPHX3 are not well characterized, it is known that epoxide hydrolases, in general, are involved in the metabolic pathways of various drugs. Some potential interactions include:

- **Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)**: Drugs like ibuprofen might intersect with pathways involving epoxides.
- **Statins**: Some statin drugs that modulate cholesterol levels may interact with lipid metabolic enzymes, including epoxide hydrolases.
  
Specific drug classes influencing EPHX3 directly require further investigation but can be linked to the broader context of lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health.

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### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
EPHX3 is involved in several significant biological processes and pathways, including:

- **Epoxide Metabolic Process**: Central to detoxification and metabolism of lipid-derived epoxides.
- **Fatty Acid Metabolism**: Important for the processing of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the regulation of signaling molecules derived from them.
- **Cellular Signaling**: Participates in pathways that regulate vascular dynamics and inflammation due to its role in EET metabolism.
- **Detoxification Pathways**: EPHX3 contributes to the detoxification of potentially harmful epoxide compounds formed during lipid metabolism.

Furthermore, involvement in specific signaling pathways tied to cardiovascular health, such as the nitric oxide signaling pathway and phospholipase A2 activation, indicates its broader relevance in physiology and pathology.

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In summary, EPHX3 plays a crucial role in fatty acid metabolism and detoxification processes, with implications for cardiovascular health, aging, and metabolic disorders. Further research into its interactions and regulatory mechanisms remains essential for understanding its full clinical significance.