Prostaglandins are a diverse group of autocrine and paracrine hormones that mediate many cellular and physiologic processes. Prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) is an intermediate molecule in formation of the prostaglandins. Cyclooxygenase-1 (Cox-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) are prostaglandin synthases that catalyze the formation of PGH2 from arachidonic acid (AA). Cox-1 and Cox-2 are isozymes of prostaglandin-endoperoxidase synthase (PTGS). Cox-1 is constitutively expressed in most tissues and is thoµght to serve in general housekeeping functions. Cox-2 is efficiently induced in migratory cells responding to pro-inflammatory stimuli and is considered to be an important mediator of inflammation. Both enzymes are targets for the nonsteroidal therapeutic anti-inflammatory drµgs, NSAIDs. COX2 expression is significantly increased in 85-90% of human colorectal adenocarcinomas whereas levels of COX-1 are not changed.
