Effects of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs at the Molecular Level

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic,and antipyretic effects. NSAIDs generally work by blocking the production of prostaglandins (PGs) throughthe inhibition of two cyclooxygenase enzymes. PGs are key factors in many cellular processes, such as gastrointestinalcytoprotection, hemostasis and thrombosis, inflammation, renal hemodynamics, turnover ofcartilage, and angiogenesis. Interest has grown in the various effects of NSAIDs during the last decade. Epidemiologicalstudies have revealed the reduced risk of several cancer types and neurodegenerative diseases byprolonged use of NSAIDs. Recent advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanismsof NSAIDs will accelerate the processes of discovery and clinical implementation. This review summarizesthe molecular mechanisms of NSAIDs on the body systems.