COX-2 is primarily involved in which process?

COX-2 is primarily involved in which process?

• A. Inflammation
• B. GI protection
• C. Renal perfusion
• D. Platelet aggregation

Answer: (A)

COX-2 is the inducible enzyme that opens the pathway to inflammation. When inflammatory signals like cytokines are present, COX-2 is upregulated at the site of injury and converts arachidonic acid into inflammatory prostaglandins (notably PGE2). These prostaglandins drive the hallmark signs of inflammation: increased blood flow and permeability, swelling, pain sensitization, and fever. That inducible, inflammation-driven production is why COX-2 is most closely linked to the inflammatory process. In contrast, COX-1 is constitutive and supports protective gastric mucosa and normal platelet function, which is why options involving GI protection or platelet aggregation aren’t the primary role attributed to COX-2. While COX-2 also contributes to renal prostaglandin production, the key concept tested here is its role in inflammation.

COX-2 is the inducible enzyme that opens the pathway to inflammation. When inflammatory signals like cytokines are present, COX-2 is upregulated at the site of injury and converts arachidonic acid into inflammatory prostaglandins (notably PGE2). These prostaglandins drive the hallmark signs of inflammation: increased blood flow and permeability, swelling, pain sensitization, and fever. That inducible, inflammation-driven production is why COX-2 is most closely linked to the inflammatory process.

In contrast, COX-1 is constitutive and supports protective gastric mucosa and normal platelet function, which is why options involving GI protection or platelet aggregation aren’t the primary role attributed to COX-2. While COX-2 also contributes to renal prostaglandin production, the key concept tested here is its role in inflammation.