Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors: Small Molecules and Peptides

Cyclooxygenase (also known as COX, Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase, Prostaglandin G/H synthase) is expressed in cells in three isoforms: COX-1, COX-2 and COX-3. COX-1 (constitutive) and COX-2 (inducible) isoforms catalyze the rate-limiting step of prostaglandin production and are the targets of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. COX-3 does not appear to be involved in inflammatory processes, but seems to be involved in pain and fever. COX-3 is thought to be derived through the retention of the highly structured G + C-rich intron 1 of the COX-1 gene.