[Cyclooxygenase; prevention and treatment]

ABSTRACT

Cyclooxygenase [COX] is the key enzyme required for the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Two cycloxygenase isoforms have been identified and are referred to as COX-I and COX-2. Both enzymes are blocked by nonselective anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAID], such as indomethacin and ibuprofen. COX-I is an enzyme normally found in tissues and is involved in physiological functions, while COX-2 is an acute phase reactant associated with inflammation. Recently, COX-2 has been found to be associated with hyperalgesia, angiogenesis, cancer and Alzheimers disease. The suggestion that COX-2 is causally linked to cancer offers a new approach to extending our knowledge about the neoplastic phenomenon and improving management of human malignant diseases