A new study has uncovered a previously unknown process by which some NSAID pain relievers affect the body. It may explain why different NSAIDs can have unexpected effects on many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
You might not recognize the term NSAID, which stands for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but you are undoubtedly familiar with this class of medications which are commonly used for headaches, pain relief, and to reduce fever. You’ll also recognize the common types of NSAIDs including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, as well as the brand names such as Bayer, St. Joseph, Advil, Motrin, and Aleve.
Even though they are often used to treat pain and inflammation, different NSAIDs can have surprising and inexplicable effects on many diseases. New research reveals a previously unknown process by which some NSAIDs affect the body. The findings may explain the varying effects of different NSAIDs and also point to entirely new applications for these drugs.
Since these medications are so widely used, it is really important to fully understand how they affect the body.
Pain and inflammation are commonly treated by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin. However, even at similar doses, different NSAIDs can have unexpected and unexplained effects on many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
Now, a new study, led by Yale University, has uncovered a previously unknown process by which some NSAIDs affect the body. The finding may explain why similar NSAIDs produce a range of clinical outcomes and could influence how the drugs are used in the future.
The study was published today (May 23, 2022) in the journal Immunity.
Until now, the anti-inflammatory effects of NSAIDs were thought to arise solely through the inhibition of certain enzymes. However, this mechanism does not account for many clinical outcomes that vary across the family of drugs. For example, some NSAIDs prevent heart disease while others cause it, some NSAIDs have been linked to decreased incidence of colorectal cancer, and various NSAIDs can have a wide range of effects on asthma.
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