COX-2 is associated with which action?

COX-2 is associated with which action?

• A. COX-2 protects the stomach lining
• B. COX-2 does not influence inflammation
• C. COX-2 reduces fever
• D. COX-2 triggers inflammation and pain

Answer: (D)

COX-2 is the inducible enzyme that drives the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins during inflammation. When inflammation is present, COX-2 levels rise and convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins like PGE2, which amplify pain signaling by sensitizing nerve endings and promote fever and other inflammatory responses. This makes COX-2 closely linked to triggering inflammation and pain, so the statement that COX-2 triggers inflammation and pain is the best fit. The other options misattribute roles: COX-1, not COX-2, primarily protects the stomach lining; COX-2 does influence inflammation; and in fact COX-2 activity contributes to fever rather than reducing it.

COX-2 is the inducible enzyme that drives the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins during inflammation. When inflammation is present, COX-2 levels rise and convert arachidonic acid into prostaglandins like PGE2, which amplify pain signaling by sensitizing nerve endings and promote fever and other inflammatory responses. This makes COX-2 closely linked to triggering inflammation and pain, so the statement that COX-2 triggers inflammation and pain is the best fit. The other options misattribute roles: COX-1, not COX-2, primarily protects the stomach lining; COX-2 does influence inflammation; and in fact COX-2 activity contributes to fever rather than reducing it.