cyclooxygenase-2
Definition
- Noun:
- An enzyme that produces prostaglandins causing inflammation, pain, and fever: Cyclooxygenase-2 (often abbreviated as COX-2) is a specific enzyme in the body. Its primary function is to catalyze the production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that promote inflammation, pain sensitivity, and fever as part of the body's response to injury or illness.
- A target for certain anti-inflammatory drugs: The enzyme is a key target for a class of drugs known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The therapeutic benefit of these drugs is largely due to their ability to inhibit the action of cyclooxygenase-2, thereby reducing the production of inflammation-causing prostaglandins.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The new medication selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 to reduce arthritis pain without affecting the stomach lining.
- Research focuses on the role of cyclooxygenase-2 in chronic inflammatory diseases.
- The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 increases at sites of tissue injury.
Advanced Usage
- "COX-2 inhibitor": A type of drug specifically designed to block the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme.
- Celecoxib is a well-known COX-2 inhibitor prescribed for osteoarthritis.
Variants and Related Words
- COX-2: The common abbreviation for cyclooxygenase-2.
- The study compared the effects of blocking COX-1 versus COX-2.
- Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1): A related enzyme that produces prostaglandins involved in protecting the stomach lining and regulating blood clotting.
- Prostaglandin: The group of compounds whose production is facilitated by cyclooxygenase enzymes.
Synonyms
- COX-2: (The standard abbreviation used synonymously in medical and scientific contexts).
Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)
- NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug): A class of drugs whose mechanism often involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes.
- Inflammation: A biological process in which cyclooxygenase-2 plays a significant role.
- Enzyme: A protein that acts as a catalyst for biochemical reactions; cyclooxygenase-2 is a specific type of enzyme.
Noun
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an enzyme that makes prostaglandins that cause inflammation and pain and fever
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the beneficial effects of NSAIDs result from their ability to block Cox-2
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