Role of cyclooxygenase inhibitors for the prevention of colorectal cancer

Prostaglandins (PGs) are mediators of physiologic functions and pathologic responses. The diversity of PG activities is achieved by cell and tissue-sp ecific generation of different stable PGs, multiple PG receptors linked to different intracellular signaling pathways, and PG production pathways invo lving enzymes that are induced to dramatically increase local PG production . This article will review mechanisms of PG production and action. Dissecti ng these biochemical and molecular pathways provides greater understanding of the clinical pharmacology of available inhibitors of PG production and m ay allow development of therapeutic agents that can be applied to specific clinical situations, while preserving PGs that play a role in normal physio logy.