Cyclooxygenase
Cyclooxygenase
Cyclooxygenase (pronounced as: sy-klo-ox-i-je-nase), also known as COX, is an enzyme that is involved in the formation of prostanoids, including thromboxane and prostaglandins. The enzyme is encoded by the PTGS1 and PTGS2 genes in humans.
Etymology
The term "Cyclooxygenase" is derived from the role of the enzyme in oxygenation and the cyclical nature of the process. The term "COX" is an abbreviation of Cyclooxygenase.
Function
Cyclooxygenase is responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2, an important step in the production of prostanoids. Prostanoids are lipid compounds that have a variety of physiological effects, including regulation of inflammation, blood flow, and the formation of blood clots.
There are two main isoforms of cyclooxygenase, COX-1 and COX-2. COX-1 is considered a constitutive enzyme, meaning it is present in most cells and tissues, while COX-2 is an inducible enzyme, meaning its expression is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli.
Related Terms
- Arachidonic acid: A polyunsaturated fatty acid that is converted by cyclooxygenase into prostaglandin H2.
- Prostanoids: A group of lipid compounds that are produced by the action of cyclooxygenase on arachidonic acid.
- Prostaglandins: A type of prostanoid that has a variety of physiological effects, including regulation of inflammation, blood flow, and the formation of blood clots.
- Thromboxanes: A type of prostanoid that is involved in the formation of blood clots.
- COX-1: An isoform of cyclooxygenase that is present in most cells and tissues.
- COX-2: An isoform of cyclooxygenase that is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cyclooxygenase
- Wikipedia's article - Cyclooxygenase
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