P35354

Cox2 also known as PTGS2 is an inducible enzyme that plays a pivotal role in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are lipid mediators involved in inflammation, pain, and fever. Unlike its constitutively expressed isoform Cox1, Cox2 is minimally expressed under normal physiological conditions but is significantly upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli, cytokines, growth factors, and tumor promoters. This upregulation leads to increased production of prostaglandins, contributing to the inflammatory response and pain perception. Overexpression of Cox2 has been implicated in various pathological conditions, including chronic inflammation, arthritis, and the progression of certain cancers such as colorectal, breast, and lung cancer. Cox2 is a key therapeutic target for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and selective Cox2 inhibitors (coxibs), which aim to reduce inflammation and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis.