- 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
