Papers of the Week

Cyclooxygenase (COX), in literature, known as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase (PTGS), is an enzyme that is responsible for the formation of prostanoids, including thromboxane and prostaglandins from arachidonic acid. COX-1 does housekeeping activity, whereas COX-2 induces inflammation. Continuous rise in COX-2 gives birth to chronic pain-associated disorders, i.e., arthritis, cardiovascular complications, macular degeneration, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite their potent anti-inflammatory effects, the detrimental effects of COX-2 inhibitors coexist in healthy tissues. Non-preferential NSAIDs cause gastrointestinal discomfort, whereas selective COX-2 inhibitors exert higher cardiovascular risk and renal impairment on chronic use.