title: Selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2: risks and benefits.
abstract: The cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors are the most common drugs used worldwide. COX corresponds to an evolutionarily conserved class of enzymes and has two main isoforms: COX-1, which is largely associated with physiological functions, and COX-2, which is largely associated with pathological functions. Their subproducts have an important role in inflammation and pain perception. The COX-2 selective inhibition was designed to minimize gastrointestinal complications of non-selective inhibition. However, this exclusive COX-2 inhibition was associated with serious cardiovascular events, for causing an imbalance between prostacyclin and thromboxane production. The objective of this study is to discuss the mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular effects, pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of the selective or nonselective COX inhibitors.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, Brazil.
authors.forename: Reila Tainá
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Mendes
authors.forename: Cassiano Pereira
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Stanczyk
authors.forename: Regina
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sordi
authors.forename: Michel Fleith
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Otuki
authors.forename: Fábio André
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: dos Santos
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fernandes
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment
chemical_list: D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors