The Hair Loss Encyclopedia
enzyme involved in inflammation and pain production
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the inflammatory process by converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are compounds that mediate inflammation and pain. Unlike its counterpart COX-1, which is expressed constantly in most tissues, COX-2 is typically induced during inflammation and is a target for anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).