Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (pronunciation: sy-klo-ox-i-je-nase-2 in-hi-bi-tors), also known as COX-2 inhibitors, are a type of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that directly targets cyclooxygenase-2, an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain.

Etymology

The term "Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor" is derived from the enzyme it inhibits, cyclooxygenase-2. The prefix "cyclo-" comes from the Greek "kyklos", meaning circle or wheel, and "oxygenase" refers to the enzyme's ability to incorporate oxygen into its substrate. The "-2" denotes that it is the second of two types of cyclooxygenase enzymes discovered. The term "inhibitor" refers to the drug's ability to inhibit or reduce the activity of the enzyme.

Mechanism of Action

Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors work by selectively inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme. This enzyme is primarily responsible for producing prostaglandins following tissue damage or infection. By inhibiting this enzyme, COX-2 inhibitors reduce the production of prostaglandins, thereby reducing inflammation, pain, and fever.

Related Terms

• Cyclooxygenase-1: The other type of cyclooxygenase enzyme. Unlike COX-2, COX-1 is expressed in most tissues and has a protective role in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Prostaglandins: A group of physiologically active lipid compounds that are produced by the cyclooxygenase enzymes and have various roles in the body, including the mediation of inflammation.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID): A class of drugs that provides analgesic and antipyretic effects, and, in higher doses, anti-inflammatory effects.

See Also

• List of COX-2 inhibitors
• Pharmacology
• Inflammation

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor
• Wikipedia's article - Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

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