Introduction: Chronic inflammation is known to be mechanistically linked to the development of cancer. This article reviews and discusses the role of 15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) in the resolution of colitis and prevention of colitis-associated colorectal cancer.
Discussion: 15-LOX-1 is an inducible and highly regulated enzyme in cells that play an important role in the production of lipid signaling mediators from linoleic acid and arachidonic acid. Together, these acids and 15-LOX-1 are the driving force for the resolution of acute and chronic inflammation in normal cells. Widespread inflammation can progress from local inflammation to ulcerative colitis, tumorigenesis, and finally invasive, metastatic, or benign colon cancer. Thus, reversing inflammation will halt the proliferation of cancerous cells. Decreased expression of 15-LOX-1 may lead to the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer.
Conclusion: n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution products of 15-LOX-1 that can potentially prevent colitis-associated colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer.