This project involved the study of the interactions between soybean lipoxygenase (LOX) isoenzymes and the inhibitors: 4-nitrocatechol and 3,4-dihydroxybenzonitrile using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC). 

Why study LOX?  LOX belongs to a large family of non-heme, non sulfur iron dioxygenase.  In human, this enzyme catalyzes the incorporation of molecular oxygen into arachidonic acid (20:4) yielding a hydroperoxide which is subsequently converted into leukotrienes(LT).  These are known to have potent biological effects on the myocardial, pulmonary, and respiratory systems.  To name just a few, LTC4, D4 and E4 are known as mediators of hypersensitivity and inflammatory reactions, and heart attack.

Studying the behavior and regulation of LOX is an important work for the effort of controlling the pathophysiological processes and a better understanding of many diseases.  The interaction between LOX and its inhibitors may give some insights of how this enzyme would interact with drugs.  This in turn may benefit the design of drugs against asthma and hypersensitivity disorder.

Look in Biochem. J. 1998, 37, 17952-17957 for a detailed report on this subject.

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