Figure 5.

Schematic diagram of the arachidonic pathway and the inflammatory action of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. Arachidonic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid which is converted into eicosanoid molecules prostaglandin and thromboxane by the rate-limiting enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2 [296]. The eicosanoid fatty acids prostaglandin and thromboxane are particularly involved in essential inflammation-related activities including the formation of bone and regulation of blood flow and platelets [297]. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) specifically target COX-1 and COX-2 activity. Eicosanoid vasodilator prostacyclin is targeted by NSAIDs, resulting in decreased blood pressure through vasodilation [298]. Thromboxane, another target of NSAIDs, increases blood pressure through vasoconstriction and increases the formation of platelets [299].