cyclooxygenase-2
Quick Summary
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that plays a role in inflammation and pain. It is one of two forms of cyclooxygenase, the other being COX-1. While COX-1 is found in most normal tissues, COX-2 is induced in the presence of inflammation.1
COX-2 is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds that act as chemical messengers and mediate inflammatory responses. Drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors were developed to treat pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis by selectively blocking the COX-2 enzyme. This selective inhibition aims to reduce inflammation and pain while potentially causing fewer gastrointestinal issues compared to non-selective anti-inflammatory drugs.231
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