The role of cyclooxygenase-2 in the protection against apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells induced by cigarette smoking

Abstract

Endothelial cell apoptosis and the expression of COX-2 protein were increased in both COPD patients and CSE-induced vascular endothelial cells. Of interest, it seems that the COX-2 probably had a protective role against the apoptosis in the vascular endothelial cells induced by cigarette smoking.