Cyclooxygenase-2: a therapeutic target in angiogenesis

Trends Mol Med. 2003 Feb;9(2):73-8. doi: 10.1016/s1471-4914(02)00011-4.

Abstract

Angiogenesis has a role in the pathogenesis of several disorders, including cancer, chronic inflammatory diseases and retinopathies. Recent evidence demonstrates that the production of prostanoids by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) promotes the expression of pro-angiogenic factors. Furthermore, inhibition of COX-2 by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs leads to restricted angiogenesis and downregulated production of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. These findings suggest that COX enzymes could be important therapeutic targets in the treatment of pathological angiogenesis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / biosynthesis
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / biosynthesis
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Isoenzymes / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism*
  • Lymphokines / biosynthesis
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy*
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / metabolism*
  • Prostaglandins / biosynthesis
  • Prostaglandins / pharmacology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Isoenzymes
  • Lymphokines
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Prostaglandins
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Fibroblast Growth Factor 2
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • PTGS2 protein, human
  • Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases