Which statement correctly describes COX-1 and COX-2 roles?

Which statement correctly describes COX-1 and COX-2 roles?

• A. COX-1 protects stomach lining and regulates platelets; COX-2 triggers inflammation and pain
• B. COX-1 triggers inflammation; COX-2 protects stomach lining
• C. COX-1 reduces fever; COX-2 reduces pain
• D. COX-1 and COX-2 have no role in inflammation

Answer: (A)

COX-1 and COX-2 have distinct roles in prostaglandin production. COX-1 is a constitutive enzyme in many tissues that helps protect the stomach lining and supports platelet aggregation via thromboxane A2. COX-2 is inducible and upregulated during inflammation, driving production of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. Therefore, the statement that COX-1 protects the stomach lining and regulates platelets, while COX-2 triggers inflammation and pain, accurately reflects their functions. The other ideas either swap the roles or deny inflammation, which doesn’t fit how these enzymes work. NSAIDs can inhibit both enzymes or selectively target COX-2 to reduce inflammation, illustrating these complementary roles.

COX-1 and COX-2 have distinct roles in prostaglandin production. COX-1 is a constitutive enzyme in many tissues that helps protect the stomach lining and supports platelet aggregation via thromboxane A2. COX-2 is inducible and upregulated during inflammation, driving production of prostaglandins that mediate inflammation, pain, and fever. Therefore, the statement that COX-1 protects the stomach lining and regulates platelets, while COX-2 triggers inflammation and pain, accurately reflects their functions. The other ideas either swap the roles or deny inflammation, which doesn’t fit how these enzymes work. NSAIDs can inhibit both enzymes or selectively target COX-2 to reduce inflammation, illustrating these complementary roles.