Metabolism of 12(R)-HETE in corneal tissue produces predominantly the compound resulting from the loss of four carbon atoms through β-oxidation from C-1. This metabolite is 8(R)-hydroxy hexadecatrienoic acid (8(R)-HHxTrE) or 2,3,4,5-tetranor 12(R)-HETE.

12(S)-HETE is a product of arachidonic acid metabolism through the 12-lipoxygenase pathway. It is primarily found in platelets, leukocytes, and to a lesser extent in smooth muscle cells. It enhances tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cells, fibronectin, and the subendothelial matrix. tetranor-12(S)-HETE is the major β-oxidation product resulting from peroxisomal metabolism of 12(S)-HETE in numerous tissues, and Lewis lung carcinoma cells. No biological function has yet been determined for tetranor-12(S)-HETE. Some data indicate it may play a role in controlling the inflammatory response in injured corneas. In some diseases (e.g., Zellweger's Syndrome) peroxisomal abnormalities result in the inability of cells to metabolize 12(S)-HETE, which may be responsible for symptoms of the disease. The tetranor derivative of 12(S)-HETE is available as a research tool for the elucidation of the metabolic fate of its parent compound.

(±)12-HETE is one of the six monohydroxy fatty acids produced by the non-enzymatic oxidation of arachidonic acid. The biological activity of (±)12-HETE is similar to that of its constituent enantiomers . It aggregates neutrophils with an EC50 value of 40 nM.[1] Reference：[1]. O'Flaherty, J.T., Thomas, M.J., Lees, C.J., et al. Neutrophil-aggregating activity of monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids. American Journal of Pathology 104, 55-62 (1981).

Biosynthesis of 12(R)-HETE in invertebrates is via lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid . In mammals, 12(R)-HETE can be produced by 12(R)-LOs and also by CYP450 oxidation. The activity of 12(R)-HETE in mammals is predominantly proinflammatory. 12(R)-HETE exhibits dose-dependent leukocyte chemotaxis at concentrations as low as 100 nM, and lowers intraocular pressure in rabbits.

12(S)-HETE is the predominant lipoxygenase product of mammalian platelets. [1] It enhances tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cells, fibronectin, and the subendothelial matrix at 0.1μM181M.[2][3]