If a COX-2 selective inhibitor drug preferentially blocks prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in osteoarthritic joints, which consequence follows regarding cartilage remodeling?

💡 Explanation

PGE2 normally promotes cartilage degradation through matrix metalloproteinases. Blocking COX-2 decreases PGE2, therefore cartilage matrix degradation lessens, rather than accelerates, because less PGE2 signaling reduces destructive enzymes. TNF-alpha and VEGF would not be directly impacted.

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