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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

In Vitro Model of Coronary Angiogenesis
Published on: March 10, 2020
COX-2 and the vasculature: angel or evil?
Chiara Cuccurullo1, Andrea Mezzetti, Francesco Cipollone
1Centro Regionale per la Prevenzione dell'Aterosclerosi, Via Colle dell'Ara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.
Abstract:
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) may modulate atherosclerotic plaque stability or instability according to the prostaglandin synthase coupled with it. Whereas upregulation of COX-2 and prostaglandin (PG) E synthase is associated with plaque instability, overexpression of COX-2 and lipocalin-type PGD synthase leads to plaque stability. Thus, the role of COX-2 in atherothrombosis appears to be quite complex. In this article we summarize our recent papers investigating mechanisms regulating the expression and pharmacologic modulation of COX-2 in atherosclerotic plaques.
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