Cyclooxygenases in the Skin: Pharmacological and Toxicological Implications

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.