Regulation of cyclo-oxygenase-2

Over the past three decades studies have been conducted to determine the ro le of prostaglandins in normal physiology and in certain diseases. Cyclo-ox ygenase (COX) or prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase (Pghs) is required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Two isoforms of this enzyme have been identified which are referred to as COX-1 and COX-2. Unde r most circumstances, COX-1 is produced constitutively, whereas COX-2 can b e induced by several physiological stimuli and is expressed at sites of inf lammation. Although these isozymes catalyze identical reactions, they are o ften regulated by different signalling systems. The goal of this chapter is to provide a review of the role of cyclooxygenase in biology and disease, and to summarize the current understanding of mechanisms for the regulation of COX-2 expression.