EFFECTS OF MELOXICAM COMPARED TO ACETYLSALICYCLIC ACID IN HUMAN ARTICULAR CHONDROCYTES

Meloxicam is a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) derived from enolic acid, which has displayed potent anti-inflammatory proper ties in animal studies combined with low gastrointestinal toxicity. Ot her NSAIDs have been shown, in vitro, to have a variety of effects on cartilage repair processes in diseased articular cartilage. The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of meloxicam on some of these processes using in vitro models. Acetylsalicylic acid, a NSAID whose characteristics have been previously elucidated in the models, was use d as an active comparator. The effects of meloxicam were different fro m those of acetylsalicylic acid on chondrocyte clusters. At pharmacolo gically active concentrations, meloxicam was a potent inhibitor of pro staglandin-E(2) production. However, all chondroformative processes we re unaffected by meloxicam as indicated by a lack of effect on DNA syn thesis and on type-II collagen and proteoglycan levels in chondrocyte culture medium and clusters, while acetylsalicylic acid decreased prot eoglycan production and cell proliferation. Consequently, these in vit ro findings suggest that meloxicam does not adversely affect-the repar ative processes active within the cartilage matrix of a diseased joint . This study represents a sound basis for future studies to establish the effects of meloxicam on osteo-arthritis disease progression.