NSAIDs and the kidneys

Question 1

NSAIDs and the kidneys?

Answer 1

• NSAIDs are a commonly used anti-inflammatory drugs,
• their main mechanism of action is via the inhibition of the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2.

Question 2

What do COX-1 and COX-2 do?

Answer 2

These enzymes are pivotal for the synthesis of prostanoids (prostaglandins and thromboxanes).

Question 3

How do prostaglandins work in the kidneys?

Answer 3

• In the kidney the prostaglandins cause a vasodilatation of the afferent arterioles of the glomeruli.
• This allows for a higher rate of blood flow into the glomerulus and thus an increase in glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Question 4

What role does NSAIDS have on the kidneys?

Answer 4

• NSAIDs inhibit the role of the COX enzymes and subsequently reduce the levels of prostaglandins.
• The resulting loss of afferent arteriole vasodilatation causes a reduced renal perfusion and thus GFR.