CYCLOOXYGENASE Meaning and
Definition
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Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances involved in various physiological processes in the body. It is a member of the oxidoreductase enzyme family and is responsible for the catalysis of two reactions: the oxidation of arachidonic acid and the subsequent peroxidation of this acid to form prostaglandin G2.
There are two known isoforms of cyclooxygenase, namely COX-1 and COX-2, each with distinct characteristics and functions. COX-1 is constitutively expressed in most tissues and is involved in maintaining normal physiological functions such as protection of the gastric mucosa, regulation of blood flow, and kidney function. On the other hand, COX-2 is an inducible form of the enzyme that is primarily associated with inflammation and pain. It is synthesised in response to specific stimuli, such as injury or infection, and is responsible for the production of prostaglandins that mediate the inflammatory response.
Cyclooxygenase is the main target of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, which inhibit its activity and thus reduce the production of prostaglandins. Selective COX-2 inhibitors, such as celecoxib, have also been developed to specifically target the inducible form of the enzyme, offering a more targeted and potentially safer approach to managing inflammation and pain.
Common Misspellings for CYCLOOXYGENASE
- xyclooxygenase
- vyclooxygenase
- fyclooxygenase
- dyclooxygenase
- ctclooxygenase
- cgclooxygenase
- chclooxygenase
- cuclooxygenase
- c7clooxygenase
- c6clooxygenase
- cyxlooxygenase
- cyvlooxygenase
- cyflooxygenase
- cydlooxygenase
- cyckooxygenase
- cycpooxygenase
- cycoooxygenase
- cyclioxygenase
- cyclkoxygenase
- cyclloxygenase
Etymology of CYCLOOXYGENASE
The word "cyclooxygenase" comes from Greek and Latin roots.
The first part, "cyclo-", is derived from the Greek word "kyklos", meaning "circle" or "ring". This refers to the cyclical nature of the catalytic reaction involving the enzyme.
The second part, "oxygenase", is derived from the Latin word "oxy" meaning "oxygen", and the suffix "-genase" which denotes an enzyme involved in a specific reaction. Therefore, "oxygenase" refers to an enzyme involved in the incorporation or utilization of oxygen in a reaction.
So, "cyclooxygenase" can be understood as an enzyme that incorporates or utilizes oxygen in a cyclical or circular reaction.
Similar spelling words for CYCLOOXYGENASE
- cyclooxygenase-1,
- cyclooxygenase-2.
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