Cyclooxygenase biology in renal function - literature review / Biología de la ciclooxigenasa en la función renal - Revisión de la literatura

Abstract The cyclooxygenase (COX) exists in two main isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2, which are present in the renal system to ensure its homeostasis. However, in different clinical situations, these enzymes can play a physiologic role in maintaining the integrity of this organ, and also be associated with the worsening of tissue injuries/damage. In this sense, an explanation of the true biological function of the isoforms of COX enables a better understanding of the physiology and pathology of the kidney, as well as a better understanding of the consequences of its inhibition by the use of drugs. This review aimed to study the biological role of the COX enzyme in the renal system in different clinical situations.

Resumen La ciclooxigenasa existe en dos isoformas principales: COX-1 y COX-2, estas se encuentran presentes en el sistema renal como parte de su homeostasis. Sin embargo, en algunas situaciones clínicas, las dos enzimas pueden desempeñar un papel en el mantenimiento de la integridad de este órgano, y en otras pueden estar asociadas a la evolución de daños y lesiones en los tejidos. En este sentido, el conocimiento de la verdadera función biológica de las isoformas de la COX permite una mejor comprensión de la fisiología y patología del riñón, así como una mejor comprensión de las consecuencias de su inhibición por el uso de medicamentos. El objetivo de esta revisión es estudiar la función biológica de la enzima COX en el sistema renal en diferentes situaciones clínicas.

Gastric and renal effects of COX-2 selective and non-selective NSAIDs in rats receiving low-dose aspirin therapy

Abstract The consumption of low-dose aspirin (LDA) to prevent cardiovascular disease continues to increase worldwide. Consequently, the number of chronic LDA users seeking dental procedures that require complementary acute anti-inflammatory medication has also grown. Considering the lack of literature evaluating this interaction, we analyzed the gastric and renal effects caused by a selective COX-2 inhibitor (etoricoxib) and a non-selective COX-2 inhibitor (ibuprofen) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in rats receiving chronic LDA therapy. Male Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups (carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) - vehicle; LDA; LDA + ibuprofen; ibuprofen; LDA + etoricoxib; and etoricoxib) and submitted to long-term LDA therapy with a subsequent NSAID administration for three days by gavage. After the experimental period, we analyzed gastric and renal tissues and quantified serum creatinine levels. The concomitant use of LDA with either NSAID induced the highest levels of gastric damage when compared to the CMC group (F = 20.26, p < 0.05). Treatment with either LDA or etoricoxib alone was not associated with gastric damage. No significant damage was observed on kidney morphology and function (F = 0.5418, p > 0.05). These results suggest that even the acute use of an NSAID (regardless of COX-2 selectivity) can induce gastric damage when combined with the long-term use of low-dose aspirin in an animal model. Additional studies, including clinical assessments, are thus needed to clarify this interaction, and clinicians should be careful of prescribing NSAIDs to patients using LDA.