Modification of cytokine production by piroxicam.
OBJECTIVE
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs have been thought to act by inhibiting the enzyme, cyclooxygenase (prostaglandin H synthetase). We sought to demonstrate additional biologic actions of this class of drugs including effects on cytokine production.


METHODS
We administered the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug piroxicam 20 mg to 6 healthy volunteers daily for 7 days. Before and for one week after drug administration, concentrations of interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), produced by anti-CD3 stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were measured.


RESULTS
Piroxicam treatment resulted in elevation of levels of IL-2, depression of IL-1, IL-6, TNF alpha and IFN-gamma, and no consistent effect on IL-4.


CONCLUSIONS
Piroxicam modulates production of various cytokines in a complex fashion when administered to healthy individuals.
Rosenstein
E D
ED
Immunobiology Research Institute, Annandale, NJ 08801-0999.
Kunicka
J
J
Kramer
N
N
Goldstein
G
G
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism*; D007378:Interleukins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010894:Piroxicam / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism*
D007378:Interleukins; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D010894:Piroxicam; D007371:Interferon-gamma