Cyclooxygenase

3 min readEvidence-linked topicGreen Medicine Encyclopedia

Also known as:  COX;  PGHS;  Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase;  Prostaglandin G/H Synthase;  Prostaglandin Synthase

 

Description

Cyclooxygenase is an Enzyme.

 

Biological Function of Cyclooxygenase

Digestive System

 Cyclooxygenase (COX-1 form only) maintains the integrity of the Gastric Mucosa.

 

Prostaglandins

 Cyclooxygenase catalyses the conversion by oxidation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Superunsaturated Fatty Acids to (both beneficial and detrimental) Prostaglandins.

 

Toxic Effects of Cyclooxygenase

Immune System

 Cyclooxygenase (COX-2 form) may activate some carcinogens and is therefore implicated in some forms of Cancer.  It also causes Cancer cells to become resistant to Apoptosis:  [1]

 Excessive Cyclooxygenase (COX-2 form) production/activity may cause Colon Cancer.  [2]

 Excessive Cyclooxygenase (COX-2 form) production/activity may cause Liver Cancer.

 Cyclooxygenase (COX-2 form) stimulates the conversion of Arachidonic Acid to the Eicosanoids that are involved in Inflammation processes - such as Prostaglandin E2.

 

Musculoskeletal System

 Elevated Cyclooxygenase (COX-2 form) may accelerate the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  [3]

 

Nervous System

 Cyclooxygenase (COX-2 form) may accelerate the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease.  [4]

 

Keep reading Cyclooxygenase

  • Cyclooxygenase may Enhance the Production of these Toxic Substances
  • Lipids
  • These Factors may Increase Cyclooxygenase Activity
  • Aging Process
  • These Substances may Inhibit Cyclooxygenase
  • Hormones
  • 12 more sections
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