title: Cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors and the kidney: a case for caution.
abstract: Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) is one of the key enzymes in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins. Two isoforms of this enzyme COX-1 and COX-2 are known to exist. Among other functions, prostaglandins play an important role in the protection of the gastric mucosa and maintenance of renal function in pathophysiological conditions which would otherwise threaten it. Conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block prostaglandin synthesis, resulting in gastric mucosal injury and renal dysfunction in susceptible individuals. The recent introduction of selective COX-2 inhibitors, celecoxib and rofecoxib, appear to induce less gastrointestinal morbidity. Although conclusive data are still lacking, there is evidence to suggest that COX-2 antagonists may be capable of causing some of the same renal syndromes seen in association with the older, less selective NSAIDs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Division of Renal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, USA.
authors.forename: Gary
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Noroian
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clive
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000378:metabolism*; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases