Cyclooxygenase-2 and Heme oxygenase-1 (COX-2 and HO-1)

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), also known as Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), is an inducible enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins, which are key mediators of inflammation and pain (UniProt P35354). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), or HMOX1, is the rate-limiting enzyme in heme degradation, producing biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and iron, which collectively exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (UniProt P09601). These two proteins are often studied in tandem because many anti-inflammatory agents work by simultaneously inhibiting COX-2 and inducing HO-1 expression, often through the Nrf2 signaling pathway (PubMed: 25634308). While COX-2 inhibition reduces pro-inflammatory mediators, HO-1 induction enhances cellular defenses against oxidative stress and further suppresses inflammatory cytokines. This dual modulation is a common pharmacological strategy in treating inflammatory diseases and certain cancers. However, 'COX-2 and HO-1 expression' refers to a combined biological readout or a dual-target approach rather than a single molecular target entity.

Other names

PTGS2 and HMOX1Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 and Heme oxygenase 1COX-2/HO-1 axis

Inhibition of COX-2 enzymatic activity and transcriptional induction of HO-1 expression.