The putative role of leukotrienes in experimental atherogenesis.

Since inflammation plays an important role in atherogenesis, during recent years it has become apparent that the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway may take a significant part in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These data raised the possibility that antileukotriene drugs may be an effective treatment regimen in atherosclerosis. This review describes the research performed on the apolipoprotein E/low-density lipoprotein receptor-double knockout mice as a model of atherosclerosis. The study has shown that 5-LO activating protein inhibitors and leukotriene receptor blockers decrease atherosclerosis in atherosclerotic mice. The article also discusses the importance of these findings for the future use in the clinic.