Module 3: Lipids (Part 5)

Cylcooxygenase Enzymes

There are two different ________________ responsible for prostaglandins synthesis called COX-1 and COX-2

COX-1

_________ is involved in the usual production of prostaglandins.

COX-2

________ is responsible for additional prostaglandins in inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

________________ like Aspirin and Ibuprofen inactivate both COX-1 and COX-2, but increase risk for stomach ulcer formation.

COX-2 Enzyme

Drugs sold as Vioxx, Bextra, and Celebrex block only the __________ without affecting gastric secretions. Celebrex is used for patients after surgery.

Chronic Inflammation

Asthma is characterized by _______________, so inhaled steroids to reduce this inflammation are commonly used.

Leukotrienes

_____________ are molecules that contribute to the asthmatic response by constricting smooth muscle of the lung.

Leukotriene C4

New Asthma drugs (Zileuton) act by blocking the synthesis of ____________, which treat the disease instead of just the inflammation symptoms.

Cis fatty acids

Have two hydrogen atoms on the same side of the double bond, which creates a kink in the structure.

Trans fatty acids

Have two hydrogen atoms on the opposite side of the double bond, which results in a similar structure to that of saturated fatty acid.

Essential fatty acids

Are fatty acids that cannot be produced by the body, this includes alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid.