tsüklooksügenaasiks

Tsüklooksügenaasiks, also known as cyclooxygenase inhibitors, are a class of enzymes that play a crucial role in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds derived from arachidonic acid. These enzymes, specifically cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), are found in nearly every tissue of the body and are involved in various physiological processes, including inflammation, pain perception, and platelet aggregation.

The term *tsüklooksügenaasiks* originates from Estonian, where *tsüklooksügenaas* translates to "cyclooxygenase." These enzymes catalyze the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), a precursor for other prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and prostacyclins. The inhibition of cyclooxygenase activity is a key mechanism in the treatment of pain, fever, and inflammation, particularly in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

COX-1 is constitutively expressed and is responsible for maintaining physiological functions such as gastric mucosal protection, renal blood flow, and platelet aggregation. In contrast, COX-2 is typically induced in response to inflammatory stimuli and is associated with pathological processes like chronic inflammation and cancer. Selective COX-2 inhibitors were developed to target inflammation while minimizing side effects linked to COX-1 inhibition, such as gastrointestinal bleeding and renal impairment.

Common examples of cyclooxygenase inhibitors include aspirin, ibuprofen, and celecoxib. While these drugs are widely used for their therapeutic benefits, prolonged or excessive use can lead to adverse effects, including increased risk of cardiovascular events, particularly with COX-2 selective inhibitors. Understanding the distinct roles of COX-1 and COX-2 has significantly influenced the development of safer and more targeted pharmaceutical treatments.