What does cyclooxygenase mean?
Cyclooxygenase is a vital enzyme that catalyzes a key step in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances involved in inflammation, pain, and fever. The enzyme exists in two isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, which have distinct tissue distributions and functions. Cyclooxygenase is a target for many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, which inhibit the enzyme's activity to reduce inflammation and pain. The study of cyclooxygenase has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms of inflammation and the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pain, inflammation, and cancer.
nounCyclooxygenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the formation of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances involved in inflammation and pain. It catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2.
- An enzyme involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins.
- A key enzyme in the inflammatory response.
"The inhibition of cyclooxygenase by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen reduces inflammation and pain."
"Cyclooxygenase is a target for many anti-inflammatory drugs."
"The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is often upregulated in cancer tissues."
The plural form is used when referring to multiple types or isoforms of the enzyme.
"The cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2 have distinct tissue distributions and functions."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cyclooxygenase
The term 'cyclooxygenase' was first coined in the 1970s to describe the enzyme responsible for the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2. The name is derived from the Greek words 'kyklos', meaning 'circle', and 'oxys', meaning 'acid', referring to the enzyme's role in forming a cyclic structure. The enzyme was initially referred to as 'prostaglandin synthase', but the term 'cyclooxygenase' has become the widely accepted name.
Usage notes
The term 'cyclooxygenase' is often used interchangeably with 'COX', which is an abbreviation for the enzyme's name. The term is commonly used in the context of biochemistry, pharmacology, and medicine.