Title: COX-2 Selectivity and Inflammatory Processes
Volume: 7
Issue: 11
Author(s): Joanne van Ryn, Gnnter Trummlitz and Michel Pairet
Affiliation:
Abstract: Increasing amounts of experimental and clinical data support the role of selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibition in anti-inflammatory processes and the involvement of COX-1 inhibition in the side effects. associated with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. This review will focus on the differences in the structure of the COX-1 and COX-2 molecules, particularly the active site and how they are bound by various NSAIDs to achieve COX-2 selectivity. This COX-2 selectivity will then be characterized in pharmacological assays in vitro and in animal models in vivo. Finally, clinical information available for this new class of selective inhibitors will be discussed.
