Remembering Cyclooxygenases: A
Brief Review

Ashok Kumar1, Ajay Gaur2

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the competitive inhibitors of

cyclooxygenase, the enzyme which bioconvert the arachidonic acid to

inflammatory prostaglandins. Although their use is associated with the

side effects such as gastrointestinal and renal toxicity they are one of

the widely prescribed drugs. The therapeutic anti-inflammatory action

of NSAIDs is produced by the inhibition of COX-2, while the undesired

side effects arise from inhibition of COX-1 activity. Based upon that, a

number of selective COX-2 inhibitors (Rofecoxib, Celecoxib, Valdecoxib

etc.) were developed as safer NSAIDs. However, the recent market

removal of some COXIBs such as Rofecoxib due to its adverse

cardiovascular side effects clearly encourages the researchers to

explore and evaluate alternative templates with COX-2 inhibitory

activity. Recognition of new avenues for selective COX-2 inhibitors in

cancer chemotherapy and neurological diseases such as Parkinson and

Alzheimer’s diseases still continues to attract investigations on the

development of COX-2 inhibitors. This review highlights the therapeutic

profile as well as the future therapeutic potential of COX inhibitors with

highlighting their disadvantages as well.

References

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