5-Lipoxygenase (5LO) catalyzes two steps in the biosynthesis of leukotrienes (LTs), lipid mediators of inflammation derived from arachidonic acid. LTs function in normal host defense, and have pathophysiological roles in chronic inflammatory diseases as asthma and atherosclerosis. Also, possible effects of 5LO products in relation to tumorigenesis have been described. Thus, insight regarding the biochemistry of 5LO is relevant for better understanding of normal physiology, and for development of therapy. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.