NSAIDs Flashcards
NSAIDs?
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Major clinical uses of NSAIDs?
o Analgesic
– toothache/headache, post-op pain (opiate-sparing), menstrual pain
o Anti-pyretic
– influenza
o Anti-inflammatory
– rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, soft-tissue injuries
Use of NSAIDs in the UK?
Note NSAIDs are widely used and available OTC
Deaths from NSAIDs are on par with road traffic accidents (half due to GI upsets, and half due to CVS issues)
o ~2000 deaths/annum in 2011
What is the MoA of NSAIDs?
NSAIDs INHIBIT prostanoid synthesis by blocking COX
Prostanoids:
• Derived from arachidonic acid
• Examples – prostaglandins, TXA2, prostacyclin
• Widely distributed and not stored pre-formed
• Receptor-mediated
In what forms can COX be found?
Two isoforms of COX
• COX1 & COX2)
• NSAIDs inhibit BOTH to varying degrees (e.g. ibuprofen)
Coxib family – selectively reversibly inhibits COX2 (e.g. celecoxib).
Prostanoid action is ALL receptor-mediated - explain this
Prostanoids (5 known) bind to 10 known receptors:
• DP1-2, EP1-4, FP, IP1-2, TP – named based on potency
- DP1 has the greatest affinity for prostaglandin D2
• All g-protein coupled (have effects independent of coupling however)
• Actions can be
- physiological OR pro-inflammatory
How many prostaglandins are known and receptors?
5 known agonists!
At least 10 different receptors
Inhibition of prostanoid production can have multiple complex consequences - give an example
PGE2:
• Activates 4 receptors – EP1, EP2, EP3, EP4.
• cAMP-dependant (EP2/4) OR Ca2+ mobilisation (EP1/3) OR both (EP3)!
Unwanted actions: Increased pain perception Thermoregulation Acute inflammatory response Other – immune responses, tumorigenesis, inhibition of apoptosis (so more likely necrosis)
Explain the unwanted action of ‘pain sensitisation’ of PGE2
Pain sensitisation – stimulation of PG receptors sensitises the nociceptors which causes pain acutely & chronically
• Co-injection of COX2 inhibitors prevents or reduces duration of prolonged pain (i.e. RAISE pain threshold)
Mechanism – unclear:
• Activation of EP1 and EP4 receptors (in spine & periphery)
• Endocannabinoid involvement (neuromodulators in thalamus, spine & periphery)
- This is not mutually exclusive – i.e. there IS cross-talk between prostanoids and endocannabinoids
Explain the unwanted action of ‘thermoregulation’ of PGE2
Thermoregulation – PGE2 is pyrogenic:
- PGE2 stimulates hypothalamic neurones to initiate a rise in body temperature –> hyper-pyrexia
- NSAIDs have been shown to reduce a raised temperature in influenza
Explain the unwanted action of ‘acute inflammatory response’ of PGE2
o PGE2 –> EP3 signalling.
o The EP3 receptor then signals downstream using two mechanisms – cAMP & Ca2+ mobilisation
Effects on IS is EP4 mediated
Prostanoids do have desirable effects however - briefly state these desirable effects
- GASTRO-PROTECTION
- Regulation of renal blood flow
- Bronchodilation
- Vasoregulation
Explain the desired action of ‘gastro-protection’ of PGE2
Gastro-protection – gastro-cyto-protection:
• Downregulated HCl production in the stomach
• PGE2 stimulates mucus and HCO3- secretion into the gut
• NSAIDs therefore increase the risk of ulceration –> resulting in 1000 deaths/annum.
The ulceration is thought to be due to blocking of COX1…
Fewer deaths when using Celecoxib (COX2-selective inhibitor) rather than normal NSAIDs.
Explain the desired action of ‘increase in renal blood flow’ of PGE2
PGE2 increases renal blood flow so NSAIDs can cause renal toxicity (not for renal failure patients)
Renal toxicity via:
Constriction of afferent renal arteriole.
Reduction in renal artery flow.
Reduced glomerular filtration rate.
Explain the desired action of ‘bronchodilation’ of PGE2
Bronchodilation – hence why asthmatics shouldn’t take NSAIDs
Approx. 10% of asthmatics experience worsening symptoms with NSAIDs
COX inhibition favours production of leucotrienes (as the other pathway for arachidonic acid is inhibited) which are potent Broncho-constrictors.
• Asthmatics should NOT take NSAIDs.
Explain the desired action of ‘vasoregulators’ of PGE2
Vaso-regulation – dilation OR constriction depending on receptors activated
NSAIDs are complex vaso-regulators:
Vasoconstriction.
Salt & water retention.
Reduced effect of anti-hypertensives.
There has been increasing acknowledgment of risk of:
Hypertension, MI and stroke.
NSAIDs therefore increase risk of CVS events –> resulting in 1000 deaths/annum.