Celecoxib selectively inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzymes. This action is key to its therapeutic effects. Unlike non-selective NSAIDs that block both COX-1 and COX-2, Celecoxib’s specificity minimizes gastrointestinal side effects associated with COX-1 inhibition. COX-2 is primarily involved in inflammation and pain signaling, whereas COX-1 plays a crucial role in protecting the stomach lining. By targeting COX-2, Celecoxib reduces inflammation and pain while potentially lessening the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
COX-2 Inhibition: A Detailed Look
Celecoxib binds to the active site of COX-2, preventing the enzyme from converting arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. These prostaglandins are inflammatory mediators; their reduced production leads to decreased inflammation and pain. The specific interaction between Celecoxib and COX-2 is complex, involving multiple binding interactions with amino acid residues within the enzyme’s active site. This specific binding accounts for Celecoxib’s selectivity for COX-2 over COX-1. The precise details of this interaction are available in detailed scientific literature and are beyond the scope of this brief explanation.
