| Abstract: |
Cyclooxygenase pathway: Among the 3 metabolic pathways leading to oxidation of arachidonic acid, the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway produces prostaglandin CZ that is rapidly transformed into prostaglandin H2. Prostaglandins: Prostaglandins are inflammation mediators that are strongly implicated in tumorgenesis. They participate in tumor initiation, promotion and growth. Inflammation and epithelial cancer: Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for epithelial cancer. It induces prostaglandin synthesis via activation of COX-2. There is a cause and effect relationship between chronic inflammation and carcinogeneis via COX-2 expression. It has been demonstrated that COX-2 favor; tumor invasion and inhibits apoptosis. Tumor growth is favored by PGE2-induced reduction in immunity; COX-2 inhibitors reinforce the immune response. Finally COX-2 is expressed in tumor neovessels and plays a role in angiogenesis (C) 2001, Masson, Paris. |
