The Sound of Evolution
Zileuton
Mechanism of action:
Zileuton is a leukotriene synthesis inhibitor and a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor. It directly inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, thereby preventing the conversion of arachidonic acid into leukotriene A₄. Since leukotriene A₄ is the common precursor of all leukotrienes, inhibition of its formation reduces the production of all leukotrienes and consequently suppresses leukotriene-induced inflammatory responses.
Reference(s):
1. Berger W et al. (2007). Zileuton: clinical implications of 5-Lipoxygenase inhibition in severe airway disease. Int J Clin Pract.
2. Wenzel SE et al. (1996). Zileuton: the first 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor for the treatment of asthma. Ann Pharmacother.
3. Malo PE et al. (1994). The 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity of zileuton in in vitro and in vivo models of antigen-induced airway anaphylaxis. Pulm Pharmacol.