Patient was educated on types of cyclooxygenase enzymes as follows:
- Cyclooxygenase enzymes are produced in the inflammatory cells of the tissues, secondary to an injury.
- Injured tissues, through the mediation of these cyclooxygenase enzymes, produce chemical mediators of inflammation called prostaglandins.
- Prostaglandins result in swelling of the injured tissues and amplification of the sensitivity to pain.
- There are two main types of cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX enzymes)
- Cyclooxygenase-1
- COX-1 is a type of cyclooxygenase enzyme produced in various tissues of the body, including stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
- Production of COX-1 in these tissues result in production of prostaglandins.
- Apart from amplification of pain sensitivity and inducing inflammatory signs, prostaglandins also perform important function of protection of the lining of stomach and gastrointestinal tract from the action of the acid contents of the stomach and thus, prevent development of gastric ulcers.
- Cyclooxygenase-2
- COX-2 is a type of cyclooxygenase enzyme produced mainly in the inflammatory cells during an inflammatory response.
- Production of COX-2 by the inflammatory cells in the injured tissues result in production of prostaglandins, which bring about amplification of pain sensitivity and induce other inflammatory signs of swelling and redness.
- In general, inhibition of COX-2 in the injured sites by NSAIDs contributes to the anti-inflammatory effect of NSAIDs. Inhibition of COX-1 in various tissues by NSAIDs contributes to the side effects of NSAIDs, such as, elevated blood pressure, gastric ulcers and bleeding, sodium retention, renal failure, and increased risk for bleeding.
