Inhibitors of Cyclooxygenase and 5-Lipoxygenase

Prostaglandin H synthase (PGH synthase) and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) are important enzymes that catalyze the formation of putative intermediates involved in the inflammatory process. The mechanism by which PGH synthase and 5-LO convert their common substrate arachidonic acid (AA) into prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes is discussed. Recent advances on competitive, mechanism-based and reversible non­ competitive inhibitors of PGH synthase are described. Further discussed are classes of compounds which inhibit 5-LO, including compounds structurally related to 5-LO substrate or product, agents acting on 5-LO activating protein (FLAP), iron chelators and antioxidants.