Application potential of modulation of cyclooxygenase-2 activity: a cognitive approach

Cognitive functions of the brain depend largely on the condition of the cell membranes and the proportion of fatty acids. It is known and accepted that arachidonic acid (AA) is one of the main ω-6 fatty acids (phospholipids) in brain cells. Metabolism of that fatty acid depends on the functionality and presence of cyclooxygenase (COX). COX is a primary enzyme in the cycle of transformation of AA to prostanoids, which may mediate response of immune cells, contributing to brain function and cognition. Two COX isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2), as well as a splice variant (COX-3), have been detected in the brain. Findings released in the last decade showed that COX-2 may play an important role in cognition. There are many preclinical and clinical reports showing its engagement in Alzheimer disease, spatial learning, and plasticity. This manuscript focuses on summarizing the above-mentioned discoveries.