L-745,337: A selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 elicits antinociception but not gastric ulceration in rats

L-745,337 [5-methanesulphonamido-6-(2,4-difluorothiophenyl)-1-indanone] a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor reversed hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan in rats without causing gastric ulceration at doses 100 times those causing antinociception. In contrast, piroxicam and indomethacin produced ulcerations at antinociceptive doses. These findings demonstrate that L-745,337 possesses antinociceptive activity but has a reduced liability for gastric ulceration.     

Gastrointestinal effects of COX-2 inhibitors

The developing popularity of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) over the last 100 years has been paralleled by an increase in associated complications, particularly affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract [1]. Over this period, there have been several attempts to develop less toxic NSAIDs, most of which have been unsuccessful. Since the discovery that the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) exists as two isoforms, the largely constitutive COX-1 and the mainly inducible COX-2, much interest has centred on the development of drugs capable of selectively inhibiting COX-2. Early studies that investigated specific COX-2 inhibitors (with no effect on the COX-1 isoform over the whole range of concentrations achieved in clinical usage) are encouraging, as they demonstrate that these drugs have fewer effects on gastroduodenal mucosa than standard NSAIDs given at equivalent doses. Further clinical experience with these agents outside trial settings and additional studies to assess the role of COX-2 when induced in the GI tract are needed, before such agents can be safely recommended for widespread prescribing.     

Etodolac: An overview of a selective COX-2 inhibitor

Etodolac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis and a selective COX-2 inhibitor in a wide range of clinically relevant assays in direct comparisons with other NSAIDs. Studies have shown etodolac to have no overall suppression of gastric or duodenal prostaglandins and endoscopic analysis with etodolac showed placebo level scores in comparison with ibuprofen, which showed inducement of gastro-intestinal (GI) side effects. This high degree of gastric tolerability was further demonstrated by microbleeding studies. The favourable GI tolerability profile of etodolac has been shown in long-term and large-scale trials and by routine clinical observation. In summary, etodolac is a well established selective COX-2 inhibitor that has been shown not to suppress gastric or duodenal prostaglandins, to have minimal hepatic or renal effects and to have favourable GI tolerability in comparison with ibuprofen.     

赤芍801对小鼠巨噬细胞COX-1和COX-2活性、mRNA及蛋白表达的影响

目的研究赤芍801(propyl gallate,PrG)对环氧酶(cy-c looxygenase,COX)活性、mRNA及蛋白表达的影响。方法采用基于小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞的COX-1和COX-2体外筛选模型,用钙离子导入剂(calc ium ionophore A23187)短时刺激小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞,测定培养上清液中的6酮--前列腺素F1α(6-keto-PGFlα)的量反映COX-1活性;用脂多糖(lipopolysac-charide,LPS)长时间刺激细胞,测定培养上清液中的前列腺素E2(PGE2)的量反映COX-2活性。半定量RT-PCR法检测PrG对LPS刺激的Raw小鼠巨噬细胞COX-1、COX-2 mRNA表达的影响。W estern b lot法检测PrG对LPS刺激的Raw小鼠巨噬细胞COX-1、COX-2蛋白表达的影响。结果PrG体外10,5μmol.L-1浓度下不影响6-keto-PGFαl生成(P>0.05),而在1,0.5,0.1,0.05μmol.L-1浓度下则诱导6-keto-PGF1α生成(P<0.01),并呈较好的剂量依赖性。PrG体外1,10μmol.L-1可抑制PGE2生成(P<0.05)。PrG不同浓度对LPS刺激的Raw小鼠巨噬细胞COX-1、COX-2 mR-NA表达无明显影响。PrG(100,10,1μmol.L-1)浓度下可抑制COX-2蛋白表达,但对COX-1蛋白表达无影响。结论在0.05~10μmol.L-1浓度范围内,PrG低浓度时促进6-keto-PGF1α生成,高浓度时抑制PGE2生成,提示其高浓度时抑制COX-2,低浓度时激活COX-1;不同浓度PrG对COX-1、COX-2 mRNA表达均无明显影响。PrG(1~100μmol.L-1)浓度下可抑制COX-2蛋白表达,但对COX-1蛋白表达无影响。     

COX-2 selective inhibitors: analysis of the renal effects

COX-2 selective inhibitors provide analgesia and blunt inflammation while also sparing the gastrointestinal tract from classic NSAID toxicity. Therapeutic effects are thought to result from inhibition of the inflammatory COX-2 isoform. Organ sparing is considered the result of preservation of homeostatic COX-1 enzyme function. Similar roles of the COX isoforms in the kidney would reduce NSAID-associated nephrotoxicity. However, human kidney tissue expresses COX-2 enzyme, suggesting a role for this isoform in maintenance of physiological renal processes. Available clinical data on the renal effects of COX-2 selective inhibitors in humans also demonstrate nephrotoxic potential.     

CoMFA and coMSIA 3d qsar studies on pimarane cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors

Comparative molecular field analysis and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis were performed on twenty five analogues of pimarane COX-2 inhibitor to optimize their cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) selective anti-inflammatory activities.     

Paraquat induces cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) implicated toxicity in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells

Paraquat produces dopaminergic pathologies of Parkinson’s disease, in which cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is implicated. However, it is unclear whether paraquat induces toxicity within dopaminergic neurons through COX-2. To address this, human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with paraquat and then the involving mechanism of COX-2 was investigated. We initially examined the involvement of COX-2 in paraquat-induced toxicity. Data suggest that COX-2 is implicated in paraquat-induced reduction of viability in SY5Y cells. Then, to confirm the presence of COX-2 in SY5Y cells, we examined COX-2 mRNA and protein levels, which are regulated by NF-κB. Data indicate that paraquat activates NF-κB and up-regulates COX-2. We then checked quinone-bound proteins as quinones produced by COX-2 bind to intracellular proteins. Paraquat obviously forms quinone-bound proteins, in particular, quinone-bound DJ-1 and this formation is attenuated by meloxicam. Finally, we investigated antioxidant system including nuclear factor erythroid-related factor 2 (Nrf2), gamma glutamylcysteine synthetase (γGCS), and glutathione (GSH) as DJ-1 is linked to Nrf2 and Nrf2 regulates γGCS expression and γGCS is a GSH synthesis enzyme. Paraquat decreases protein levels of Nrf2 and γGCS and intracellular GSH level and these decreases are alleviated by meloxicam. Therefore, collectively, our data indicate that paraquat induces COX-2 implicated toxicity in SY5Y cells. In conclusion, current findings support the idea that paraquat might produce toxicity in dopaminergic neurons through COX-2.     

COX-1, COX-2 and the topical effect in NSAID-induced enteropathy

The side effects of NSAIDs are equally evident in the stomach and the small bowel. The latter is increasingly seen as being clinically significant, contributing substantially to the iron-deficiency anaemia that is so common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, NSAID-enteropathy may be associated with life-threatening events. The pathogenesis of NSAID-enteropathy is uncertain but inhibition of COX-1 is believed to be of pivotal importance. However there is increasing evidence that COX-2 inhibition and the topical effect may have a synergistic detrimental action. We examined the role of COX-1, COX-2 and the so called topical effect of acidic NSAIDs. We found that COX-1 or COX-2 inhibition and the topical effect alone do not damage the GI tract. Dual inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 results in intestinal inflammation similar to that caused by Indomethacin. The topical effect may act synergistically in this damage. The conventional view that the mechanism of gastrointestinal damage is principally caused by COX-1 inhibition needs to be revised in view of recent studies using selective inhibitors of the COX enzymes and COX knockout animals.     

Rofecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor potentiates the anticonvulsant activity of tiagabine against pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions in mice

Numerous studies have implicated prostaglandins as potential modulators in seizure activity. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of rofecoxib (selective COX-2 inhibitor) alone or in combination with newer antiepileptic drug tiagabine (γ-amino acid reuptake inhibitor) against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) (80 mg/kg, i. p.)-induced chemoconvulsions in mice. Rofecoxib or tiagabine was administered 45 min prior to the PTZ challenge. In combination study, rofecoxib was administered 10 min before tiagabine and after 35 min the animals were challenged with convulsive dose of PTZ. Mean onset time of jerks, clonus and extensor phases following PTZ challenge was noted. Pretreatment with rofecoxib (1–5.0 mg/kg, i. p.) or tiagabine (1–10 mg/kg, i. p.) dose dependently protected the animals against PTZ-induced convulsions. The mean onset time of jerks, clonus and extensor phase were increased. A subeffective dose of rofecoxib (0.5 mg/kg, i. p.) potentiated the effect of subprotective dose of tiagabine (0.5 mg/kg, i. p.). The results of the present study suggested that the protective effect of rofecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor against PTZ-induced convulsions may be possibly through the GABAergic modulation. Rofecoxib may have a place as adjuvant therapy with standard antiepileptic drugs such as tiagabine in the treatment of epilepsy. Received 10 August 2006; revised and accepted 30 August 2006     

1，5-二芳基吡唑衍生物的合成及其对环氧合酶2的抑制活性

目的设计合成一系列1，5-二芳基吡唑衍生物，并考察其对环氧合酶2的抑制活性。方法以苯乙酮或对甲基苯乙酮为原料，经过缩合、环合、水解、还原、酯化等多步反应，得到1，5-二芳基．3-取代吡唑衍生物。结果与结论共合成了10个中间体和10个目标化合物，其中，18个化合物（8个中间体和10个目标化合物）是未见文献报道的新化合物，其结构经MS和^1H-NMR确证。所有目标化合物均具有一定的环氧合酶2抑制活性，其中化合物1i的抑制率为31．77％。     

Synthesis and biological activity of annulated pyrazoles as selective COX-2 inhibitors. I.

A series of disubstituted 4,5-polymethylenepyrazoles were synthesized and evaluated their inhibitory activities against COX-2. Some compounds showed strong (0.3 nM) inhibitory activity on COX-2 and were found somewhat selective (up to 16) on COX-2 over COX-1.     

Distinction of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) inhibition from cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition in cells using a novel, selective mPGES-1 inhibitor

Inflammation-induced microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is the terminal enzyme that synthesizes prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) downstream of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and COX-2 inhibitors in the treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory pain, largely attributed to the inhibition of PGE₂ synthesis, provides a rationale for exploring mPGES-1 inhibition as a potential novel therapy for these diseases. Toward this aim, we identified PF-9184 as a novel mPGES-1 inhibitor. PF-9184 potently inhibited recombinant human (rh) mPGES-1 (IC₅₀ = 16.5 ± 3.8 nM), and had no effect against rhCOX-1 and rhCOX-2 (>6500-fold selectivity). In inflammation and clinically relevant biological systems, mPGES-1 expression, like COX-2 expression was induced in cell context- and time-dependent manner, consistent with the kinetics of PGE₂ synthesis. In rationally designed cell systems ideal for determining direct effects of the inhibitors on mPGES-1 function, but not its expression, PF-9184 inhibited PGE₂ synthesis (IC₅₀ in the range of 0.5-5 μM in serum-free cell and human whole blood cultures, respectively) while sparing the synthesis of 6-keto-PGF_1α (PGF_1α) and PGF_2α. In contrast, as expected, the selective COX-2 inhibitor, SC-236, inhibited PGE₂, PGF_1α and PGF_2α synthesis. This profile of mPGES-1 inhibition, distinct from COX-2 inhibition in cells, validates mPGES-1 as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention.     

Non-COX-2 targets and cancer: expanding the molecular target repertoire of chemoprevention

Chemoprevention represents a highly promising approach for the control of cancer. That nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) prevent colon and other cancers has led to novel approaches to cancer prevention. The known inhibitory effect of NSAIDs on the eicosanoid pathway prompted mechanistic and drug development work focusing on cyclooxygenase (COX), culminating in clinical trials of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors for cancer prevention or treatment. However, two COX-2 inhibitors have been withdrawn due to side effects. Here we review several pathways of the eicosanoid cascade that are relevant to cancer; summarize the evidence regarding the role of COX-2 as a target for cancer prevention; and discuss several of the molecular targets that may mediate the chemopreventive effect of NSAIDs. The clinically modest results obtained to date with COX-2 specific inhibitors used in cancer prevention; the multiple COX-2-independent targets of both NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors; and the limitations of some COX-2 inhibitors indicate that exploiting these (non-COX-2) molecular targets will likely yield effective new approaches for cancer chemoprevention.     

部分胃癌PET-CT显像与HIF-1α等指标的相关分析

目的探讨胃癌正电子发射体层显像(PET-CT)中18F-氟代脱氧葡萄糖(18F-FDG)摄取水平与相应组织中缺氧诱导因子-1α(hypoxia inducible factor-1α,HIF-1α)、环氧合酶-2(cyclooxygenase-2,COX-2)和血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)表达的关系。方法对14例胃癌患者术前进行PET-CT检查,测定肿瘤最大标准摄取值(standard uptake value,SUVmax),并对手术切除标本进行病理检查,应用免疫组织化学法检测肿瘤组织HIF-1α、COX-2和VEGF的表达,分析PET-CT的SUVmax与HIF-1α、COX-2和VEGF表达的相关性。结果 SUVmax与HIF-1α、COX-2和VEGF表达的相关系数(r)分别为0.499、0.686、0.279,均呈正相关(P<0.05)。结论胃癌组织HIF-1α、COX-2和VEGF表达量越大,PET-CT显像中18F-FDG摄取越多,浓聚越明显。     

Exploring the role of COX-2 in Alzheimer's disease: Potential therapeutic implications of COX-2 inhibitors

This review highlights the potential role of cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme (COX-2) in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the potential therapeutic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the management of AD. In addition to COX-2 enzymes role in inflammation, the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, the review emphasizes that COXs-2 have a crucial role in normal synaptic activity and plasticity, and have a relationship with acetylcholine, tau protein, and beta-amyloid (Aβ) which are the main causes of Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the review points out that COX-2 enzymes have a relationship with kinase enzymes, including Cyclin Dependent Kinase 5 (CDK5) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β), which are known to play a role in tau phosphorylation and are strongly associated with Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the use of drugs like NSAIDs may be a hopeful approach for managing AD.However, results from studies examining the effectiveness of NSAIDs in treating AD have been mixed and further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which COX-2 and NSAIDs may be involved in the development and progression of AD and to identify new therapeutic strategies.