Reactivation of E red , considerably slower than dioxygenase activity, is then required to complete the catalytic cycle and leads to a net inhibition of rates of (13S)-HPODE formation. This reaction of ⅐ NO with 15-LOX inhibited ⅐ NO-dependent activation of soluble guanylate cyclase and consequent cGMP production. Since accelerated ⅐ NO production, enhanced 15-LOX gene expression, and 15-LOX product formation occurs in diverse inflammatory conditions, these observations indicate that reactions of ⅐ NO with lipoxygenase peroxyl radical intermediates will result in modulation of both ⅐ NO bioavailability and rates of production of lipid signaling mediators.Lipoxygenases are a family of ubiquitously expressed nonheme iron-containing enzymes that oxidize the unsaturated fatty acids arachidonate and linoleate to bioactive hydroperoxides and other metabolites (Scheme 1). For example, 5-LOX 1 generates precursors for leukotrienes, products involved in inflammation and allergic responses (1). 12-Lipoxygenases, present in vascular endothelium, smooth muscle cells, platelets, and leukocytes (2, 3), contribute to vascular cell hypertrophy, proliferation, and hypertensive actions, while 15-LOX is involved in cell development and differentiation, particularly in reticulocytes where 15-LOX oxidation of mitochondrial phospholipids is a trigger for their degradation (2,4,5).A central pathogenic role for 15-LOX in atherosclerosis comes from multiple lines of evidence, in particular the colocalization of 15-LOX mRNA, enzymatic activity, and the relatively specific pattern of isomeric 15-LOX oxygenation products that have been detected in early human and rabbit lesions (6 -9). The accumulation and oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) lipids by monocytes and the subsequent accumulation of oxidized lipids and foam cells in the vascular intima is a hallmark of early atherogenesis. In vitro studies have shown