New insights into physiological and pathophysiological functions of cyclo-oxygenase-2.
During the past few years specific inhibitors of the cyclo-oxygenase-2 enzyme have emerged as important pharmacological tools for treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. In comparison to traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, specific cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors may provide equal efficacy in terms of antiinflammatory and analgesic action, with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Although cyclo-oxygenase-2 was once regarded as a source of pathological prostanoids, recent studies have indicated that this isoenzyme also fulfills a variety of physiological functions within the organism. The present review assesses recent advances in cyclo-oxygenase-2 research, with particular emphasis on new insights into the biology of this isoenzyme.
Hinz
B
B
Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. hinz@pharmakologie.uni-erlangen.de
Brune
K
K