[The role of cysteinyl leukotrienes in chronic inflammation and neoplasia of the intestine].

It has recently been demonstrated that cysteinyl leukotrienes are involved in a variety of proinflammatory and neoplastic functions. This article gives an up-to-date overview of the present knowledge of these bioactive lipid molecules. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC) are applied as models of their cellular actions. It is described how signalling cascades initiated by cysteinyl leukotrienes represent alternative ways in which IBD might progress and lead to the development and propagation of CRC, and as such represent potential targets for future therapeutic regimens to manage chronic inflammatory disorders and cancer.