Cyclo-oxygenase isoenzymes. How recent findings affect thinking about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

International audience; The discovery of at least 2 cyclo-oxygenase (COX) isoenzymes, referred to as COX-1 and COX-2, has updated our knowledge of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This has lead investigators to reconsider what can be awaited from this class of drugs. The 2 COX isoenzymes share structural and enzymatic similarities, but are specifically regulated at the molecular level and may be distinguished apart in their functions, although some physiological overlap between them does occur. The major goal in developing selective COX inhibitors is to improve NSAID tolerability. Classic NSAIDs preferentially inhibit COX-1 in vitro, but it appears hazardous to judge their gas…