Published on: 15-02-2014 Remembering Cyclooxygenases: A Brief Review

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the competitive inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, the enzyme which bioconvert the arachidonic acid to inflammatory prostaglandins. Although their use is associated with the side effects such as gastrointestinal and renal toxicity they are one of the widely prescribed drugs. The therapeutic anti-inflammatory action of NSAIDs is produced by the inhibition of COX-2, while the undesired side effects arise from inhibition of COX-1 activity. Based upon that, a number of selective COX-2 inhibitors (Rofecoxib, Celecoxib, Valdecoxib etc.) were developed as safer NSAIDs. However, the recent market removal of some COXIBs such as Rofecoxib due to its adverse cardiovascular side effects clearly encourages the researchers to explore and evaluate alternative templates with COX-2 inhibitory activity. Recognition of new avenues for selective COX-2 inhibitors in cancer chemotherapy and neurological diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer’s diseases still continues to attract investigations on the development of COX-2 inhibitors. This review highlights the therapeutic profile as well as the future therapeutic potential of COX inhibitors with highlighting their disadvantages as well. *Email Id