Eicosanoids: role in gastrointestinal inflammation and cancer

Abstract

This paper contains a brief review of the metabolism and physiological actions of eicosanoids, with a discussion of the potential clinical implications of disturbances in eicosanoid metabolism, particularly in NSAID-induced upper gastrointestinal damage and inflammatory bowel disease. There follows a summary of current evidence for the role of eicosanoids in the pathogenesis of colorectal neoplasia.