Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (COX-2) (COX-2)

Canine COX-2, also known as Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), is a key enzyme in the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway in dogs (UniProt [1], [12]). It catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandin H2, the precursor for various prostanoids that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever (UniProt [1], [7], [17]). Unlike the constitutively expressed COX-1, COX-2 is primarily an inducible enzyme that is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli and in various neoplastic conditions (Clinician's Brief [7], [11], [14]). In veterinary medicine, it is a major therapeutic target for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to manage osteoarthritis and postoperative pain (MSD Veterinary Manual [4], [10], [13]). Additionally, COX-2 is overexpressed in several canine cancers, such as transitional cell carcinoma and mammary tumors, making it a target for adjunctive oncological therapies (PMC [5], [8], [15]). Selective inhibition of COX-2 aims to provide anti-inflammatory benefits while minimizing the gastrointestinal and renal side effects associated with COX-1 inhibition (MSD Veterinary Manual [4], [7], [13]).

Other names

PTGS2Cyclooxygenase-2Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2PHS IIProstaglandin H2 synthase 2

Inhibition of the cyclooxygenase activity of the enzyme, preventing the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin G2 and subsequently prostaglandin H2, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory prostanoids like PGE2 (UniProt [1], [7], [12], [17]).