Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) (COX-2/iNOS)

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) are two distinct enzymes that are frequently co-expressed in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as cytokines and bacterial lipopolysaccharides (UniProt P35354, P35228). COX-2 catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins, which are key mediators of pain and inflammation, while iNOS produces large amounts of nitric oxide (NO), which contributes to vasodilation and oxidative stress (PubMed PMC2752680). The synergistic action of these two pathways is implicated in the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as well as in the development and metastasis of various cancers (StatPearls: NSAIDs). Therapeutic strategies targeting both enzymes aim to provide enhanced anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects compared to single-target therapies. While selective COX-2 inhibitors like celecoxib are clinically available, dual COX-2/iNOS inhibitors are primarily in the research and development phase, seeking to maximize efficacy while minimizing the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal side effects associated with traditional NSAIDs (PubMed PMC2752680).

Other names

PTGS2 and NOS2Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 and Nitric oxide synthase 2COX2/iNOS

Simultaneous inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase enzymes, leading to decreased production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and nitric oxide.