title: [Why does acetylsalicylic acid have so many effects and applications?].
abstract: The history of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, aspirin), extending over a period of more than 100 years, is among other things a story of the possibilities of medical research to identify and develop new indications for use based on observations that are often unexpected and accidental. Acetylsalicylic acid is an anti-inflammatory agent, but currently its main indication for use is the prevention of circulatory disorders via inhibition of thrombocyte function. The major activities and adverse effects of acetylsalicylic acid are based on inhibition of the function of the cyclooxygenase enzyme, although it possesses other mechanisms of action as well.
authors.affiliation: Oulun yliopisto, bioläaketieteen laitos, farmakologian ja toksikologian yksikkö.
authors.forename: Olavi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Pelkonen
mesh_terms: D001241:Aspirin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D001241:Aspirin