| Theme |
Controversies in the Drug Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders |
| Title |
Can COX-2 Inhibitors Reduce Gastric Mucosal Injury? -- A Review Article |
| Author |
Yasuhiro Fujiwara |
3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School |
| Author |
Tetsuo Arakawa |
3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School |
| [ Summary ] |
Gastric mucosal injuries, such as erosion and ulceration, are some of the major adverse events for NSAID users, since NSAIDs inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2. The gastrointestinal side effects are associated with the inhibition of COX-1, while the anti-inflammatory action is due to the inhibition of COX-2. We discussed whether COX-2 inhibitors reduce gastric mucosal injury, and reviewed the mechanisms of NSAID-induced gastric mucosal injury, we also discussed effects of COX-2 inhibitors on gastric mucosal lesions, as reported in previous clinical studies. |