title: The Role of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Inflammation.
abstract: Prostaglandins (PGs) can be synthetized via two isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX). COX-1 is constitutively expressed in normal tissues, and its activity represent the normal physiological output of PGs. In inflammatory states, the newly discovered COX-2 is rapidly induced, and its activity accounts for the large amounts of PGs seen in inflammation. The commercially available nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are nonselective inhibitors of both COX isoforms; therefore, they provide anti-inflammatory activity as well as side effects associated with COX-1 inhibition. Selective inhibition of COX-2 expression explains at least in part the potent anti-inflammatory activity of steroids. Anti-inflammatory activity of newly developed COX-2 inhibitors, such as NS-398 or SC-58125, suggest a new approach of inflammatory diseases with more efficacious NSAIDs essentially devoid of side effects such as stomach ulcers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Inflammatory Diseases Research G.D. Searle T3G, St. Louis, USA, and Analytical Sciences Center, Monsanto Corporate Research.
authors.forename: Jaime L.
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Masferrer
authors.forename: Ben S.
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Zweifel
authors.forename: Susan M.
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Colburn
authors.forename: Richard L.
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Ornberg
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Salvemini
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Isakson
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Seibert