COXderived

COXderived refers to biochemical products produced through the action of cyclooxygenase enzymes on fatty acids, most notably arachidonic acid. The cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway converts arachidonic acid into prostaglandin G2 (PGG2) and then prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), a central precursor to a family of signaling lipids called prostanoids or prostaglandins.

From PGH2, specific synthases generate diverse COXderived mediators, including prostaglandins such as PGE2, PGD2, and PGF2alpha; the prostacyclin PGI2; and thromboxane A2 (TXA2). These mediators are involved in a range of physiological processes, including inflammation, pain, fever, vascular tone, platelet aggregation, and smooth muscle function. Endoperoxides and isomerization steps link COX activity to tissue- and cell-type specific prostanoid production.

There are two main COX enzymes with distinct roles. COX-1 is typically constitutively expressed in many tissues and supports homeostatic functions such as gastric mucosal protection, renal blood flow, and baseline platelet activity. COX-2 is inducible and upregulated by inflammatory signals, cytokines, and growth factors, contributing prominently to inflammatory responses and pain. The balance between COX-derived prostanoids influences physiological and pathological states across cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune systems.

Clinical relevance centers on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit COX activity to reduce prostanoid synthesis. Nonselective NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2, while COX-2 selective inhibitors aim to reduce inflammation with fewer gastrointestinal side effects but may carry cardiovascular risks.