Cyclooxygenase-2 in Cardiovascular Biology

Cyclooxygenase (COX), also known as prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase, is the key enzyme required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Two COX isoforms have been identified, COX-1 and COX-2. Generally, the COX-1 enzyme is produced constitutively (e.g. in gastric mucosa), whereas COX-2 is highly inducible (e.g. at sites of inflammation and cancer). Traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inhibit both enzymes, and a new class of COX-2 selective inhibitors (COXIBs) preferentially inhibit the COX-2 enzyme. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of COX-1 and COX-2, with emphasis on their role on cardiovascular biology.