Cyclooxygenase / COX enzyme / prostaglandin synthase / rostaglandin synthetase

• an enzyme for formation prostanoids (including prostaglandins, prostacyclin and thromboxane).

• prostanoids; most are pro-inflammatory
• but prostaglandins have a protective role in preventing acid-insult to the mucosa (COX converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2)

• The two major isoenzyme are COX-1 and COX-2
• Different tissues express varying levels of COX-1 and COX-2

• inhibition of COX can provide relief from the symptoms of inflammation and pain but since it also inhibits prostaglandin, it can causes gastric ulcer