DISTINCT ISOFORMS (COX-1 AND COX-2) OF CYCLOOXYGENASE - POSSIBLE PHYSIOLOGICAL AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS

The discovery of an inducible isoform of cyclooxygenase (COX-2) requir es a refinement of the theory that inhibition of cyclooxygenase activi ty explains both therapeutic and side effects of non-steroidal anti-in flammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Indeed, new pharmacological results suggest that COX-2 inhibition provides the therapeutic (ie, anti-inflammatory ) activity of NSAIDs, whereas inhibition of constitutive COX-1 is resp onsible for their gastric and renal side effects as well as for their antithrombotic activity. However, a role of COX-1 in inflammation cann ot be excluded. Furthermore, the functional relevance of COX-2 express ion and induction in various tissues warrants further investigation. T hese studies should help in predicting potential adverse effects as we ll as new indications for selective COX-2 inhibitors.