Lipoxygenases are intracellular enzymes that oxidize either free or esterified polyunsaturated fatty acids. Their metabolites are lipid peroxides that can react with other biological compounds and alter the cellular redox state. A common finding characterizing lipoxygenases is their involvement in the regulation of gene expression of transcription factors, cytokines, protooncogenes, and growth factors.
Lipoxygenases and their metabolites have been indicated as possible mediators in signal transduction pathways and in the regulation of gene expression. In most of the experiments done so far, different LO inhibitors and LO metabolites have been used in studying the effects of LOs and their reaction products on gene expression. Some studies have already given evidence about the effects of LO activity on the cellular redox state and on the activation of redox-sensitive transcription factors regulating the expression of various genes.