Lipoxygenase

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are a family of enzymes that are responsible for the metabolism of arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acid and for the formation of several eicosanoids and docosanoids, including leukotrienes, lipoxins and neuroprotectins. Depending on cells' redox state and other milieu conditions, these enzymes are engaged in oxidative stress and cell death mechanisms or in cell protection. Lipoxygenases are lipid peroxidizing enzymes, implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory and hyperproliferative diseases, which represent potential targets for pharmacological intervention.

Lipoxygenases are classified on the basis of site of arachidonate oxygenation into 5-, 8-, 9-, 11-, 12- and 15-LOX. The prominent animal LOXs are 5-LOX, 8-LOX, 12-LOX and 15-LOX, while the plant LOXs are mostly 5-LOX and 15-LOX. Among these, 5-LOX is the most predominant isoform associated with the formation of 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HpETE) and other bioactive lipid mediators.