NSAIDs: Activation, Inhibition, Outcomes

Why/how do NSAIDs do what they do? They are used for their anti-inflammatory effects, but is that all? Research published in Immunity examined an NSAID subset that activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). NRF2 controls some genes that participate in processes including inflammation, immune responses, and metabolism; it also seems to be involved with aging and cellular stress reduction.

Coauthor Anna Eisenstein, instructor, Yale School of Medicine, commented, “It’s interesting and exciting that NSAIDs have a different mode of action than what was known previously. And because people use NSAIDs so frequently, it’s important we know what they’re doing in the body. That NRF2 does so much suggests that NSAIDs might have other effects, whether beneficial or adverse, that we haven’t yet looked for.” The findings from this study may impact how NSAIDs will be used in the future.

 

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Other Categories:

• chronic pain

• COX-2 Inhibitors

• inflammation

• non-opioid analgesia

• NSAIDs

• pain management

• research/study