Inhibition of COX-2 Gene Expression
COX2 is an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain. Natural compounds and pharmaceutical products can exhibit COX-2 inhibitory effects at two different levels. Due in part to their complexity, some natural products contain synergistic compounds so COX-2 is inhibited at both levels:
- The expression (i.e. intracellular production) of the COX-2 enzyme; and
- Once the enzyme is produced, products may inhibit the enzyme function.
NIS Labs performs testing of natural products at both levels. The testing of effects on COX-2 expression is performed in a cell-based assay, whereas the testing on effects on the COX-2 enzymatic function is performed in a chemical assay.