NSAIDs Flashcards
What are the 3 primary therapeutic effects of NSAIDs?
Analgesia
Anti-inflammatory
Antipyretic
What is the key action of NSAIDs?
Prostaglandin synthesis enzyme inhibition
What are autacoids?
A diverse range of local molecular mediators and signalling agents
Give some examples of autocoids.
Bradykinins Histamine Cytokines Leukotrienes Nitric oxide Neuropeptides Prostaglandins
When are autocoids released?
In response to local injury to tigger a local response
What are prostaglandins synthesised from?
Arachidonic acid
What enzymes are used in prostaglandin synthesis?
COX Enzymes (Cyclo-oxygenase)
Describe the pathway of prostaglandin synthesis.
Cell membrane phospholipids -> arachidonic acid (Phospholipase A2)
Arachidonic acid -> PG “G” (COX-1/COX-2)
PG “G” -> PG “H” (COX-1/COX-2)
PG “H” to D, E, F, and I via further specific enzymes
Which PG is the most important in mediating the inflammatory response?
E
What effects for PGs have, especially E?
Vasodilation
Hyperalgesia
Fever
Immunomodulation
Where is COX-1 expressed?
Throughout a wide range of tissues
Where and for what is PG synthesis by COX-1 very important?
Cytoprotective role in the:
- Stomach mucosa
- Myocardium
- Renal parenchyma
What is the half life of PG?
Short, so need constant synthesis
What are most NSAID ADRs caused by?
The effect of NSAIDs on COX-1
Where is COX-2 expressed?
Induced by injury and inflammatory mediators such as bradykinin.
Also in part of the brain and kidney constitutively.
Via which of the COX enzymes do NSAIDs exert their main therapeutic effect?
COX-2
Do COX 1 and 2 work independantly or together?
Independantly
Why do different NSAIDs work differently on COX 1 and 2?
COX-1 and 2 have different tunnel for catalysing arachidonic acid, so different shaped drugs fit the different enzymes.
What kind of receptor do PGs have?
GPCRs
How do PGs act on blood vessels?
As potent vasodilators
Which PG receptor increases afferent nociception?
EP-1
Which PG receptor causes vasodilation?
EP-2
What happens when a PG binds to its receptor?
GPCR is activated -> increased neuronal sensitivity to bradykinin, K+ channel inhibition, and increased sensitivit of Na2+ channels.
This all causes increased C fibre activity, including previously silent C fibres.