TLDR Blocking COX, especially COX-2, in the skin can reduce inflammation and pain and may help prevent skin cancer.
The document from 2003 reviews the role of cyclooxygenase (COX) in the skin, highlighting its involvement in various physiological and pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, pain perception, wound healing, and tumorigenesis. COX, particularly COX-2, is implicated in skin inflammation and related pain, and its inhibition by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and specific COX-2 inhibitors can reduce symptoms like edema and vascular permeability. COX pathways also affect keratinocyte differentiation and hair follicle development, which are relevant to hair growth. Furthermore, COX-2 inhibitors have shown potential in cancer prevention and have a better side-effect profile compared to non-selective NSAIDs. Topical COX-2 inhibitors are being explored as treatments for skin diseases associated with COX-2.
113 citations
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May 2002 in “PubMed” Overexpressing COX-2 in mice skin reduces skin tumor development.
201 citations
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May 2001 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” Overexpression of COX-2 in mice skin causes abnormal skin and hair development.
135 citations
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October 1999 in “Journal of Cell Science” Overexpressing PKCα in mice skin increases inflammation but doesn't affect tumor growth.
25 citations
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August 2015 in “Molecules” Mimosine dipeptides are promising for treating hyperpigmentation and inflammation.
36 citations
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January 2018 in “Burns & Trauma” NSAIDs may not affect soft tissue healing but should be used carefully for bone fractures and more research is needed to understand sex differences in response.
14 citations
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January 2017 in “Elsevier eBooks” CBG may help with various medical conditions but needs more human research to confirm safety and effectiveness.
54 citations
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April 2020 in “Experimental & Molecular Medicine” Cox-2 significantly contributes to the development and progression of skin and esophageal cancers.
89 citations
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June 2012 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” Actinic keratosis can lead to skin cancer, is more common in fair-skinned people, and can be reduced with sunscreen and treated effectively.
