Lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase enzymes (LOX and COX (also PTGS for cyclooxygenase in genetics))

Lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase enzymes are responsible for the first committed steps in the arachidonic acid cascade, converting polyunsaturated fatty acids into a complex array of bioactive lipid mediators called eicosanoids[1][2][7]. Lipoxygenases are non-heme iron-containing enzymes that catalyze dioxygenation of fatty acids to produce hydroperoxides, which are then transformed into leukotrienes, lipoxins, and other signaling molecules[1][4]. Cyclooxygenases (COX, also called prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthases/PTGS) are hemoproteins that produce prostanoids including prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and prostacyclins[2][3]. These enzymes are central to the regulation of inflammation, immune signaling, and multiple other physiological processes[4][5]. Both families are important therapeutic targets, with numerous clinically approved drugs modulating their activities to control diseases such as pain, inflammation, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions[2][5][7]. The phrase "Lipoxygenase-cyclooxygenase pathway enzymes" is not the canonical form; it generically references two distinct enzyme families that should be considered separately for precise scientific and therapeutic purposes.

Other names

LOXlipoxygenasesCOXcyclooxygenasesprostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS)prostaglandin G/H synthasearachidonate 5-lipoxygenase12-lipoxygenase15-lipoxygenaseCOX-1 (PTGS1)COX-2 (PTGS2)cyclooxygenase-1cyclooxygenase-2

Inhibition of enzyme catalytic activity, preventing formation of inflammatory lipid mediators. Selective isozyme inhibition (COX-1 vs COX-2; 5-LOX vs others). Substrate-selective inhibition and biosynthetic crossover.