Abstract

Cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenase are key enzymes in the arachidonic acid metabolism. Dual inhibitors are drugs able to block both the COX and the 5-LOX metabolic pathways. Compared to COX or LOX pathways single inhibitors, dual inhibitors present at least two major advantages. First, dual inhibitors, by acting on the two major arachidonic acid metabolic pathways, possess a wide range of anti-inflammatory activities. Secondly, dual inhibitors appear to be almost exempt from gastric toxicity, which is the most troublesome side effect of non-selective COX inhibitors.

Keywords: cancer, cyclooxygenases, dual inhibitors, inflammation, leukotrienes