COX-2 makes prostaglandins do what?

• A. Decrease inflammation and pain
• B. Protect stomach lining and promote platelet aggregation
• C. No effect on prostaglandins
• D. Increase inflammation and cause pain

Answer: (D)

COX-2 is the inducible enzyme that kicks in during inflammation to convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins that drive the inflammatory process. The prostaglandins produced by COX-2, especially PGE2, promote vasodilation and increase vascular permeability, which leads to redness, swelling, and fever, and they sensitize nerve endings, causing pain. So the net effect of COX-2 activity is to amplify inflammation and pain. In contrast, COX-1 provides prostaglandins that protect the stomach lining and support platelet function, which is why the idea that COX-2 protects the stomach or promotes platelets isn’t accurate. Hence, COX-2 makes prostaglandins that increase inflammation and cause pain.