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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 21, 2025; 31(15): 102752
Published online Apr 21, 2025. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v31.i15.102752
Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase: A promising therapeutic target for alleviating inflammation in acute pancreatitis
Duygu Kirkik, Sevgi Kalkanli Tas
Duygu Kirkik, Sevgi Kalkanli Tas, Department of Immunology, Hamidiye Medicine Faculty, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul 34668, Türkiye
Duygu Kirkik, Department of Medical Biology, Hamidiye Medicine Faculty, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul 34668, Türkiye
Author contributions: Kirkik D and Kalkanli Tas S contributed to this paper; Kirkik D designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Kalkanli Tas S contributed to the discussion and design of the manuscript; Kirkik D and Kalkanli Tas S contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript, illustrations, and literature review.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Duygu Kirkik, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Immunology, Hamidiye Medicine Faculty, University of Health Sciences, Mekteb-i Tıbbiyye-i Şâhane (Haydarpaşa) Külliyesi Selimiye Mah Tıbbiye Cad No. 38, Istanbul 34668, Türkiye. dygkirkik@gmail.com
Received: October 28, 2024
Revised: February 21, 2025
Accepted: March 7, 2025
Published online: April 21, 2025
Processing time: 172 Days and 16 Hours
Abstract

This article discusses the significant findings from the study on the transfection of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) and its therapeutic potential in managing acute pancreatitis (AP). The research highlights the role of ALOX15 in attenuating inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and autophagy in a cerulein-induced AP murine model. By using a recombinant lentiviral vector for efficient gene delivery, the study provides compelling evidence for the protective effects of ALOX15 transfection on pancreatic tissue. The authors demonstrate that ALOX15 reduces the expression of key inflammatory markers like interleukin-β and tumor necrosis factor α while promoting apoptosis through caspase-3 activation. Furthermore, the modulation of autophagy and structural preservation of pancreatic acinar cells suggest that ALOX15 could be a promising therapeutic target for AP. The implications of these findings are discussed, emphasizing the potential for future clinical translation and further research to explore the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications of ALOX15 in inflammatory diseases.

Keywords: Acute pancreatitis; Arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase; Inflammation; Apoptosis; Autophagy

Core Tip: This article highlights the therapeutic potential of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (ALOX15) in acute pancreatitis (AP). By modulating inflammatory responses, promoting apoptosis, and facilitating autophagy, ALOX15 plays a critical role in cellular homeostasis and tissue recovery in AP. The enzyme’s dual action on pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways offers promising avenues for targeted therapies that go beyond symptomatic relief. Understanding ALOX15’s mechanisms could pave the way for innovative treatment approaches in AP, potentially reducing complications and improving patient outcomes.